HB577 (2011) Detail

Relative to the use of foreign languages by retail establishments.


HB 577 – AS INTRODUCED

2011 SESSION

11-0449

05/01

HOUSE BILL 577

AN ACT relative to the use of foreign languages by retail establishments.

SPONSORS: Rep. Ulery, Hills 27; Rep. Baldasaro, Rock 3

COMMITTEE: Commerce and Consumer Affairs

ANALYSIS

This bill requires retail establishments that provide in-store aisle markings or directions in a foreign language to provide such signs in the 6 official languages of the United Nations.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

11-0449

05/01

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eleven

AN ACT relative to the use of foreign languages by retail establishments.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Official State Language; Construction. Amend RSA 3-C:4 to read as follows:

3-C:4 Construction. Except as otherwise provided in RSA 3-C:5, this chapter shall not be construed in any way to infringe on the rights of citizens under the state constitution or the constitution of the United States in the use of language in activities or functions conducted in the private sector. No agency or officer of the state or of any political subdivision of the state shall place any restrictions or requirements regarding language usage for businesses operating in the private sector other than in official documents, forms, submissions, or other communications directed to governmental agencies and officers, which communications shall be in English as recognized in this chapter.

2 Official State Language; Use of Foreign Languages by Retail Establishments. Amend RSA 3-C by inserting after section 4 the following new section:

3-C:5 Use of Foreign Languages by Retail Establishments. Any person engaged in the retail sale of goods in the state of New Hampshire, who provides in-store aisle markings or directions in any language other than English, shall provide such signs in the 6 official languages of the United Nations: English, Russian, Chinese, French, Persian, and Arabic.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.