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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study on the creation of bilingual zones in certain |
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areas of this state. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) In this Act, "bilingual zone" means a |
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designated area of this state in which: |
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(1) English and Spanish are both official languages; |
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(2) residents have the right to receive services from |
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state and local governmental entities in both official languages; |
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(3) residents may be heard before the state court |
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system in the official language of their choice; |
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(4) state and local laws are published in both |
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official languages and given equal legal weight; and |
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(5) both official languages have equal status in state |
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and local governmental employment. |
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(b) The comptroller of public accounts, in cooperation with |
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the secretary of state, the B3 Institute at The University of Texas |
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Rio Grande Valley, and other interested parties, shall conduct a |
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study to evaluate the creation of bilingual zones in certain areas |
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of this state. |
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(c) In conducting the study, the comptroller shall: |
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(1) identify and evaluate areas of this state along |
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the border with the United Mexican States that may be designated |
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bilingual zones; |
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(2) assess the impact the creation and operation of |
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bilingual zones would have on this state's economy; and |
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(3) evaluate the effect the creation and operation of |
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bilingual zones would have on border and international relations. |
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(d) Not later than September 1, 2018, the comptroller shall |
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prepare and submit to the legislature a written report containing |
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the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or |
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other action. |
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(e) This Act expires September 1, 2019. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |