[r78] Bill Proposes English Only State Printing (1/27/2009)

Bill Proposes English-Only State Printing

(STATEHOUSE) January 27, 2009 - Under proposed legislation, most documents printed by the state would be printed in English only.

House Bill 1366, authored by state Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville), would mandate that most official state documents or communications be printed in English only. That would include documents ranging from applications to laws and state code. The bill allows six exceptions:

• When required by the U.S. or Indiana constitutions or federal law.
• If necessary for public health and safety needs.
• For witness protection documents.
• To promote tourism and economic development.
• To teach English and other languages to students.
• For library archives and research.

"This bill is looking out for Hoosier taxpayers," said Rep. Crouch. "Illegal immigration is becoming a serious issue in the country and our state. By enforcing state documents to be printed in English only, Indiana will be less welcoming to illegal immigration.

"This is simple legislation that would deter illegal immigration. If you can't communicate here, then you wouldn't come here."

By no means will this bill hinder learning or discriminate against others, Rep. Crouch said. Rather, HB 1366 will relieve the financial burden of printing state documents in more than one language.

"This bill is not challenging the First Amendment," says Rep. Crouch. "In this recession, Indiana needs to focus on jobs and spending. Printing state documents in English only will save the state thousands of dollars and potentially reduce illegal immigration, leading to more job availability."

House Bill 1366 is waiting to be heard by the Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation.