Hawaii Senate Bill SB610

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Report Pass: 3/3/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/17/23
• Refer: 3/17/23

Caption

Relating To American Sign Language.

Impact

By enacting SB610, the State of Hawaii would amend Chapter 1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to include a specific designation for ASL, promoting its status as a legitimate language. This change could influence language education policies within the state, encouraging schools to appreciate and potentially integrate ASL into their language programs. Furthermore, recognizing ASL as an independent language could impact how educators and lawmakers approach bilingual education and accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 610 aims to recognize American Sign Language (ASL) as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural heritage. This legislative effort follows the precedent set by Act 152, which previously acknowledged ASL as a recognized world language for public school requirements in Hawaii. The bill emphasizes the distinct differences between ASL and signed English, asserting that ASL deserves formal recognition to honor its unique linguistic structure and cultural significance.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB610 highlight the importance of linguistic recognition in educational and cultural contexts. Supporters argue that recognizing ASL is a progressive step toward inclusivity and respect for the deaf community's identity. However, there may be some contention regarding the implications for language teaching policies and resource allocation within educational systems. Critics may raise questions about the practicality of implementing such recognitions and whether they adequately support the needs of the community they aim to benefit.