H.B. 982                                                 VETOES

WHEREAS, It is not the purpose of this Act, nor shall this Act be construed, to
infringe upon the rights of citizens to exorcise the use of a primary language of their
choice for private conduct, including in the home and in religious institutions; and

WHEREAS, It is not the purpose of this Act, nor shall this Act be construed, to
dictate language policies for the operation and administration of organizations or
businesses in the unregulated private sector; and

WHEREAS, It is the purpose of this Act, to recognize the government's affirmative
responsibility to encourage and ensure greater opportunities for individuals to learn the
common language, as recognized by this Act; and

WHEREAS, The recognition of the English language as the common official
language of the State of Maryland sends a strong, positive, motivating message to all
children, youth, and adults that proficiency in reading and speaking English is necessary
to one's advancement:

(1) Scholastically, since English proficiency aids in the successful
achievement of elementary and secondary education, and postsecondary learning;

(2) Economically, through the development of skills to find a job and to
move up the employment ladder;

(3) Socially, in the development of poor relationships, self-esteem, and
effective community involvement; and

(4) Politically, as a tool to gain political empowerment through effective
voting and other political activity; and

WHEREAS, It is only fitting and proper that we recognize the continuing, unifying
role that the English language plays in the stability and cohesion of the lives of the people
of this State; now, therefore,

Preamble

WHEREAS, Maryland is comprised of people from many ethnic, cultural, and
linguistic backgrounds, each of whom has contributed to this State the richness of their
heritage; and

WHEREAS, Maryland has been greatly enriched by this diversity, and the
government should always take steps to promote the dignity of all the heritages that form
this State's pluralistic society; and

WHEREAS, It is not the purpose of this Act nor may this Act be construed, to
infringe upon the rights of citizens to exercise the use of a language of their choice for
private conduct; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED. BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 41 - Governor - Executive and Administrative Departments

18-205.

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