HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2554
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to american sign language.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that official recognition of American Sign Language would provide many benefits to the State and its people, including:

     (1)  Allowing deaf children to become more self-confident in their identity, gain language fluency at an earlier age, and improve their critical-thinking skills;

     (2)  Enriching the language development of hearing children; and

     (3)  Recognizing that American Sign Language is one of the most popular foreign languages at institutions of higher education in the United States.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish and designate American Sign Language as an official foreign language of the State.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§5-   Official foreign language. American Sign Language is established and designated as an official foreign language of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

American Sign Language; Official Foreign Language of the State

Description:

Establishes and designates American Sign Language as an official foreign language of the State.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.