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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill amends provisions related to using languages other than English.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 ▸ allows a recreational, scenic, historic, or cultural facility, site, or area that is
13 frequented by international tourists to use languages other than English in certain
14 circumstances; and
15 ▸ makes technical changes.
16 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
17 None
18 Other Special Clauses:
19 None
20 Utah Code Sections Affected:
21 AMENDS:
22 63G-1-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 46 and 342
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24 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 Section 1. Section 63G-1-201 is amended to read:
26 63G-1-201. Official state language.
27 (1) English is declared to be the official language of Utah.
28 (2) As the official language of this State, the English language is the sole language of
29 the government, except as otherwise provided in this section.
30 (3) Except as provided in Subsection (4), all official documents, transactions,
31 proceedings, meetings, or publications issued, conducted, or regulated by, on behalf of, or
32 representing the state and its political subdivisions shall be in English.
33 (4) Languages other than English may be used when required:
34 (a) by the United States Constitution, the Utah State Constitution, federal law, or
35 federal regulation;
36 (b) by law enforcement [
37 (c) by public and higher education systems according to rules made by the State Board
38 of Education and the State Board of Regents to comply with Subsection (5);
39 (d) in judicial proceedings, when necessary to insure that justice is served;
40 (e) to promote and encourage tourism and economic development, including the
41 hosting of international events such as the Olympics;
42 (f) by a recreational, scenic, historic, or cultural facility, site, or area that is frequented
43 by international tourists to:
44 (i) inform international tourists about the facility, site, or area; and
45 (ii) address the health and safety of international tourists while visiting the facility, site,
46 or area;
47 [
48 (i) collect and promote foreign language materials; and
49 (ii) provide foreign language services and activities; and
50 [
51 Utah Educational Savings Plan.
52 (5) The State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents shall make rules
53 governing the use of foreign languages in the public and higher education systems that promote
54 the following principles:
55 (a) non-English speaking children and adults should become able to read, write, and
56 understand English as quickly as possible;
57 (b) foreign language instruction should be encouraged;
58 (c) formal and informal programs in English as a Second Language should be initiated,
59 continued, and expanded; and
60 (d) public schools should establish communication with non-English speaking parents
61 of children within their systems, using a means designed to maximize understanding when
62 necessary, while encouraging those parents who do not speak English to become more
63 proficient in English.
64 (6) Unless exempted by Subsection (4), all state funds appropriated or designated for
65 the printing or translation of materials or the provision of services or information in a language
66 other than English shall be returned to the General Fund.
67 (a) Each state agency that has state funds appropriated or designated for the printing or
68 translation of materials or the provision of services or information in a language other than
69 English shall:
70 (i) notify the Division of Finance that the money exists and the amount of the money;
71 and
72 (ii) return the money to the Division of Finance.
73 (b) The Division of Finance shall account for the money and inform the Legislature of
74 the existence and amount of the money at the beginning of the Legislature's annual general
75 session.
76 (c) The Legislature may appropriate any money received under this section to the State
77 School Board for use in English as a Second Language programs.
78 (7) Nothing in this section affects the ability of government employees, private
79 businesses, nonprofit organizations, or private individuals to exercise their rights under:
80 (a) the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; and
81 (b) Utah Constitution, Article 1, Sections 1 and 15.
82 (8) If any provision of this section, or the application of any such provision to any
83 person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this act shall be given effect without
84 the invalid provision or application.