House Resolution 413

Chair's Name: David Ralston

Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

House Sponsor: Tim Bearden

HR 413 proposes an amendment to the Constitution that states that English is the official language of the state of Georgia. Official actions of the state must be in English. The amendment would require certain government communications such as laws, ordinances, decrees, driver’s license examinations, to be in English. The state can use additional languages for purposes such as education, public health and safety, and diplomacy and trade. The amendment prohibits discrimination against those who speak only English. A person who is a resident or doing business in Georgia has standing to seek a declaratory judgment. This amendment will not affect any private communications.

This resolution comes to the Floor under the Modified Structured Rule.

Chairman Ralston’s Opinion of the legislation:

This resolution proposes the submission of a Constitutional amendment for ratification or rejection by the Georgia voters; the resolution will declare English to be the official language of the State of Georgia. The driving force behind this resolution is the compelling state interest in promoting, preserving, and strengthening the use of the English language generally, and specifically in Georgia government.