ENGLISH: OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGE H.B. 4053 (H-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
House Bill 4053 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Tom Barrett
House Committee: Government Operations
CONTENT
The bill would create a new statute to designate English as the official language of Michigan and do the following:
-- Require English to be the principal language used for a public record, a meeting, or official functions and acts of a public body.
-- Specify that the proposed act could not be applied or construed to deny a person's rights under the Michigan or United States Constitution, or any State or Federal law, or to disparage any language or discourage a person from learning or using any language.
-- Provide that the proposed act would not apply if there were a conflict with State or Federal law, or the public safety, health, or justice required the use of languages other than English.
The act also would not apply to any of the following:
-- Instruction designed to teach the speaking, reading, or writing of foreign languages.
-- Instruction designed to aid students with limited English proficiency in their transition and integration into the State's education system.
-- The promotion of commerce, tourism, sporting events, or cultural events.
-- The use of terms of art or phrases from languages other than English.
Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 3-21-18 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.