Indiana - HB 1255

HOUSE BILL No. 1255

DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL

Citations Affected: IC 4-1-12.

Synopsis: State official documents to be printed in English. Requires that official documents or communications issued by, on behalf of, or representing the state must be issued in the English language. Provides for certain exceptions.

Effective: July 1, 2011.

HOUSE BILL No. 1255

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning state offices and administration.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:

   SECTION 1. IC 4-1-12 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2011]:
  Chapter 12. English Language Requirement
  Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "official document or communication" means a written document or written communication that:
   (1) binds or commits the state;
   (2) is required by law; or
   (3) gives the appearance of presenting the official views or positions of the state.
  Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "state" means Indiana or any agency of state government and includes a body corporate and politic established as an instrumentality of the state. The term does not include a political subdivision (as defined in IC 3-5-2-38).
  Sec. 3. Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, an official document or communication issued:
   (1) by;
   (2) on behalf of; or
   (3) representing;
the state may be issued only in the English language.
  Sec. 4. A language other than English may be used when required:
   (1) by the Constitution of the United States, federal law, or the Constitution of the State of Indiana;
   (2) by law enforcement or public health and safety needs;
   (3) to protect the rights of parties and witnesses in a civil or criminal action in a court or in an administrative proceeding;
   (4) to promote and encourage tourism and economic development;
   (5) to teach:
        (A) another language to students proficient in English; or
        (B) English to students of limited English proficiency; and
   (6) by libraries:
        (A) to collect and promote foreign language materials; and
        (B) to provide foreign language services and activities.
  Sec. 5. This chapter may not be construed to affect the ability of a person to exercise the person's rights under:
   (1) the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; or
   (2) Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana.