Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 370 (2020GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Hutchings, E.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/24/2020

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Gary R. Herbert

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• allows a recreational, scenic, historic, or cultural facility, site, or area that is frequented by international tourists to use languages other than English in certain circumstances; and
• makes technical changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

TOURISM INFORMATION AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Eric K. Hutchings
Senate Sponsor: 
Jacob L. Anderegg
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill amends provisions related to using languages other than English.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ allows a recreational, scenic, historic, or cultural facility, site, or area that is
frequented by international tourists to use languages other than English in certain
circumstances; and
▸ makes technical changes.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
63G-1-201
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 46 and 342
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
63G-1-201
 is amended to read:
63G-1-201.
Official state language.
(1) English is declared to be the official language of Utah.
(2) As the official language of this State, the English language is the sole language of
the government, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(3) Except as provided in Subsection (4), all official documents, transactions,
proceedings, meetings, or publications issued, conducted, or regulated by, on behalf of, or
representing the state and its political subdivisions shall be in English.
(4) Languages other than English may be used when required:
(a) by the United States Constitution, the Utah State Constitution, federal law, or
federal regulation;
(b) by law enforcement [
or
] 
for
 public health and safety needs;
(c) by public and higher education systems according to rules made by the State Board
of Education and the State Board of Regents to comply with Subsection (5);
(d) in judicial proceedings, when necessary to insure that justice is served;
(e) to promote and encourage tourism and economic development, including the
hosting of international events such as the Olympics;
(f) by a recreational, scenic, historic, or cultural facility, site, or area that is frequented
by international tourists to:
(i) inform international tourists about the facility, site, or area; and
(ii) address the health and safety of international tourists while visiting the facility, site,
or area;
[
(f)
] 
(g)
 by libraries to:
(i) collect and promote foreign language materials; and
(ii) provide foreign language services and activities; and
[
(g)
] 
(h)
 by the Utah Educational Savings Plan established under Title 53B, Chapter 8a,
Utah Educational Savings Plan.
(5) The State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents shall make rules
governing the use of foreign languages in the public and higher education systems that promote
the following principles:
(a) non-English speaking children and adults should become able to read, write, and
understand English as quickly as possible;
(b) foreign language instruction should be encouraged;
(c) formal and informal programs in English as a Second Language should be initiated,
continued, and expanded; and
(d) public schools should establish communication with non-English speaking parents
of children within their systems, using a means designed to maximize understanding when
necessary, while encouraging those parents who do not speak English to become more
proficient in English.
(6) Unless exempted by Subsection (4), all state funds appropriated or designated for
the printing or translation of materials or the provision of services or information in a language
other than English shall be returned to the General Fund.
(a) Each state agency that has state funds appropriated or designated for the printing or
translation of materials or the provision of services or information in a language other than
English shall:
(i) notify the Division of Finance that the money exists and the amount of the money;
and
(ii) return the money to the Division of Finance.
(b) The Division of Finance shall account for the money and inform the Legislature of
the existence and amount of the money at the beginning of the Legislature's annual general
session.
(c) The Legislature may appropriate any money received under this section to the State
School Board for use in English as a Second Language programs.
(7) Nothing in this section affects the ability of government employees, private
businesses, nonprofit organizations, or private individuals to exercise their rights under:
(a) the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; and
(b) Utah Constitution, Article 1, Sections 1 and 15.
(8) If any provision of this section, or the application of any such provision to any
person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this act shall be given effect without
the invalid provision or application.