Proposing a constitutional amendment to establish English as the official language of Texas and require that official acts of government be performed in English.
Impact
If enacted, HJR38 would significantly amend the Texas Constitution, adding a provision that enhances the role of English in government affairs. This change would influence any official documentation, proceedings, or actions taken by state and its political subdivisions with regards to language usage. The bill explicitly states that there should be no preferential treatment for any language other than English, potentially restricting the use of other languages in government services and communications. However, provisions are included to ensure that the bill does not interfere with federal requirements or necessary public safety communications.
Summary
HJR38 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish English as the official language of Texas, mandating that all official acts of government be conducted in English. The bill emphasizes the unity that the English language fosters among citizens and declares that its knowledge is essential for exercising constitutional freedoms and active civic participation. This legislative move responds to an increasing debate about the role of languages in state governance and seeks to ensure that state resources are not utilized to accommodate multiple languages in government operations.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR38 is a mixture of support and opposition. Proponents of the bill argue that establishing English as the official language will streamline government processes and foster a sense of national unity. Many supporters believe it is critical to maintain a common language for effective governance and communication within the diverse population of Texas. Conversely, opponents argue that this bill could marginalize non-English speakers and could limit access to government services for those who are not proficient in English. This disagreement highlights the broader dialogue about inclusion and the state's responsibility to its diverse citizenry.
Contention
A notable point of contention in discussions around HJR38 involves the balance between promoting a common language and respecting linguistic diversity within the state. Critics of the bill argue that such measures could be seen as discriminatory against non-English speakers, potentially leading to a lack of access to essential services, especially for immigrant communities. Furthermore, while the bill aims to preserve the unifying role of English, it raises concerns about the implications for businesses and organizations that operate in multilingual environments, particularly in areas such as education and healthcare.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for exceptions to the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.