ATLANTA (December 14, 2015) | On Thursday, December 10, 2015, Sen. Josh McKoon (R – Columbus) pre-filed Senate Resolution 675, which would add an amendment to Georgia’s constitution declaring English as the official language of the state government.
“English is the tie that binds us as Americans and is the indisputable language of success in the United States. This idea has been sound public policy in our state for over a decade,” said Sen. McKoon. “All this resolution would do is strengthen what our state’s position currently is and commit that position to our state constitution.”
Georgia passed a bill declaring English the official language during the 1996 legislative session. The resolution would add an amendment to the state constitution reinforcing the measure as the official language of the state government. A constitutional amendment would require voter ratification after being passed by the House and Senate.
The resolution requires that state records, services and official notices be maintained in English. Other languages may be used in many instances outlined in the measure including protecting public health, crime victims and criminal defendants as well as teaching English.
For example, Georgia’s Department of Driver Services currently offers the written test for driver’s licenses in 11 languages. SR 675 will also prohibit discrimination, penalties or other limits on participation against a person who speaks only English.
“Our aim is to allow voters to decide on strengthening the intent of Georgia’s use of English as the official language of government in our state constitution,” said Sen. McKoon.
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For Immediate Release:
December 14, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
Brett.Johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028