85R6198 MTB-D
By: Canales H.B. No. 2678
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on the creation of bilingual zones in certain
areas of this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this Act, "bilingual zone" means a
designated area of this state in which:
(1) English and Spanish are both official languages;
(2) residents have the right to receive services from
state and local governmental entities in both official languages;
(3) residents may be heard before the state court
system in the official language of their choice;
(4) state and local laws are published in both
official languages and given equal legal weight; and
(5) both official languages have equal status in state
and local governmental employment.
(b) The comptroller of public accounts, in cooperation with
the secretary of state, the B3 Institute at The University of Texas
Rio Grande Valley, and other interested parties, shall conduct a
study to evaluate the creation of bilingual zones in certain areas
of this state.
(c) In conducting the study, the comptroller shall:
(1) identify and evaluate areas of this state along
the border with the United Mexican States that may be designated
bilingual zones;
(2) assess the impact the creation and operation of
bilingual zones would have on this state's economy; and
(3) evaluate the effect the creation and operation of
bilingual zones would have on border and international relations.
(d) Not later than September 1, 2018, the comptroller shall
prepare and submit to the legislature a written report containing
the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or
other action.
(e) This Act expires September 1, 2019.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.