Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Language Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee introduces proposed constitutional amendment to make English official language
Summary
Representative Dale Hawkins introduced RS 32593, a proposed amendment to Article 10 of the Idaho Constitution to designate English as the state's official language for public proceedings and documents; supporters said it clarifies practice while opponents warned it could lead to disenfranchisement and reduced services for non-English speakers.
Representative Dale Hawkins introduced RS 32593, a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a new section to Article 10 of the Idaho Constitution declaring English the official language for public proceedings, documents and institutions in Idaho, except where federal law requires otherwise.
"This amendment proposes legislation that would create a new section to article 10 of the Idaho constitution distinguishing English as the official language of the state," Hawkins said, telling the committee the draft requires English to be used in public acts and public institutions unless federal law mandates otherwise.
Hawkins told the committee he considered the draft timely in light of a recent federal executive order he said established a similar policy nationwide.
Opponents warned the constitutional language could be used to curtail translation services and other accommodations. Representative Birch said the amendment "seems very innocent and benign on the surface," but warned it could be leveraged to "disenfranchise significant portions of the population" by paving the way for future laws that restrict translations or multilingual services.
Representative Monks moved to introduce RS 32593. Representative Achilles asked whether an existing federal executive action made a state constitutional amendment necessary and raised concerns about potential effects on ballot language under the Voting Rights Act. Hawkins responded, "I, I don't know that I can speak to an individual situation, but I would assume that we are already teaching those students English," when asked about impacts on schoolchildren who speak multiple languages.
The committee voted to introduce RS 32593; the clerk recorded Representatives Birch and Achilles as voting "nay." The motion carried and the resolution advances for further committee consideration.
