STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
4333
2015-2016 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2015
___________
Introduced by M. of A. DiPIETRO -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the state law, in relation to making English the offi-
cial language of New York state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The state law is amended by adding a new article 9 to read
2 as follows:
3 ARTICLE 9
4 OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGE
5 Section 130. Legislative findings and intent.
6 131. Short title.
7 132. Official state language.
8 § 130. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature hereby finds
9 that, the state is comprised of individuals from many ethnic, cultural,
10 and linguistic backgrounds, and continues to benefit from this rich
11 diversity. Throughout the history of New York and the United States, the
12 common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the
13 English language. Command of the English language is necessary to
14 participate in and take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by
15 American life. Absent a rudimentary command of the English language,
16 citizens of this state are not able to make their voices heard in the
17 legislative process, effectively exercise their right to vote, or fully
18 understand the rights afforded them by the United States and New York
19 Constitutions. Such citizens also have a more difficult time finding
20 gainful employment, affordable housing, health insurance, and otherwise
21 availing themselves of the full benefits of American life for themselves
22 and their families.
23 § 131. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the
24 "New York state English language empowerment act".
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07246-01-5
A. 4333 2
1 § 132. Official state language. English shall be the official language
2 of the government of the state of New York. 1. The state of New York
3 shall conduct all official business of this state in English. All offi-
4 cial documents, regulations, orders, and publications shall be printed
5 in English and all official programs, meetings, transactions, and
6 actions conducted by or on behalf of this state and all its political
7 subdivisions shall be in English.
8 2. a. Other languages may be used by government officials, and in
9 official documents, whenever necessary to:
10 (i) protect the health, safety, or liberty of any citizen;
11 (ii) teach or study other languages;
12 (iii) protect the rights of criminal defendants or the victims of
13 crime;
14 (iv) promote trade, tourism, or commerce;
15 (v) facilitate activities pertaining to the compilation of any census;
16 (vi) comply with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
17 Act;
18 (vii) use proper names, terms of art, or phrases from language other
19 than English; or
20 (viii) comply with the Constitution and laws of the United States of
21 America, or the state constitution.
22 b. Except in exigent circumstances, when an official government docu-
23 ment is translated into any language other than English under this
24 section, an English translation will also be provided in the same docu-
25 ment, appearing in such a manner as to afford the reader the opportunity
26 to observe the English translation of all phrases used.
27 3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
28 a. diminish the usage of, prevent the study or development of, or
29 discourage the use of, any Native American language in any context or
30 for any purpose;
31 b. prohibit any elected official from speaking to any person in a
32 language other than English while campaigning or providing constituent
33 services, although such officials are encouraged to use English as much
34 as possible to promote fluency in English;
35 c. disparage any language or discourage any person from learning or
36 using any language;
37 d. prohibit informal and nonbinding translations or communications
38 among or between representatives of government and other persons if this
39 activity does not affect or impair supervision, management, conduct or
40 execution of official actions and if the representatives of government
41 make clear that these translations or communications are unofficial and
42 are not binding on the state or any political subdivision of the state;
43 or
44 e. prohibit individuals from utilizing translation methods of their
45 own provision to communicate with an official government agent or enti-
46 ty.
47 4. As used in this section, "official" means any government action or
48 document that binds the government, is required by law, or is authorized
49 by law.
50 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
