HB-4053, As Passed House, February 22, 2018

SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL NO. 4053

     A bill to designate the official language of this state; to

require the use of the official language in certain documents and

at certain public meetings; and to provide the powers and duties of

certain state and local agencies and officials.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

     Sec. 1. English is designated as the official language of this

state.

     Sec. 2. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this act, English

shall be the principal language used for all of the following:

     (a) A public record, as defined in section 2 of the freedom of

information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.232.

     (b) A meeting, as defined in section 2 of the open meetings

act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.262.

     (c) Official functions and acts of a public body that are

enforceable, binding, or required by law.

     (2) In addition to the use of English required under this

section, a public body may use languages other than English.

     Sec. 3. (1) This act shall not be applied or construed in any

way to deny a person's rights under the state constitution of 1963

or the constitution of the United States or any state or federal

law.

     (2) This act shall not be applied or construed in any way to

disparage any language or discourage a person from learning or

using any language.

     Sec. 4. (1) This act does not apply under any of the following

circumstances:

     (a) If there is a conflict with state or federal law.

     (b) If the public safety, health, or justice requires the use

of languages other than English.

     (2) This act does not apply to any of the following:

     (a) Instruction designed to teach the speaking, reading, or

writing of foreign languages.

     (b) Instruction designed to aid students with limited English

proficiency in their transition and integration into the education

system of this state.

     (c) The promotion of commerce, tourism, sporting events, or

cultural events.

     (d) The use of terms of art or phrases from languages other

than English.

     Sec. 5. As used in this act, "public body" means that term as

defined by section 2 of the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL

15.262.