74th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2007 Regular Session
 
NOTE:  Matter within  { +  braces and plus signs + } in an
amended section is new. Matter within  { -  braces and minus
signs - } is existing law to be omitted. New sections are within
 { +  braces and plus signs + } .
 
LC 107
 
                         House Bill 2459
 
Sponsored by Representative NELSON; Representatives BOQUIST,
  CAMERON, ESQUIVEL, KRIEGER, Senators ATKINSON, G GEORGE
 
 
                             SUMMARY
 
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the
measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to
consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor's
brief statement of the essential features of the measure as
introduced.
 
  Makes English official language of state.
 
                        A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to English as official language of Oregon.
  Whereas English is the common language of the United States of
America and the State of Oregon; and
  Whereas the United States of America and the State of Oregon
are strengthened by diversity, which is made possible by the
presence of a common language; and
  Whereas at least 138 languages are spoken in the State of
Oregon, according to the United States Census 2000; and
  Whereas the State of Oregon should dedicate itself to assisting
people in attaining fluency in English, rather than attempting to
learn the language of individual immigrants; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
  SECTION 1.  { + (1) English is the official language of the
State of Oregon.
  (2) An agency of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111,
is not required to provide services or information in a language
other than English, except as required by state or federal law.
  (3) This section does not prevent an agency of state government
from providing services or information in a language other than
English to individuals with limited English proficiency. + }
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