HB 1444 Summary

• Declares English as the official language of Oklahoma and creates the Oklahoma Official English Language Implementation Act to preserve and enhance its role.

• Prohibits the state from making or enforcing laws or policies that diminish or ignore English as the official language, unless specifically required by federal or state law or the Oklahoma Constitution.

• Requires state agencies using languages other than English to separately delineate and budget costs for interpreters, employee training, document translation, and other language-related expenses.

• Clarifies that the law does not create new private causes of action and preserves exceptions for Native American languages and private communications as permitted by the Oklahoma Constitution.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2011.