Legislative Committees Pass Official English Bill

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Legislation that would ask voters to make English the official language of Oklahoma's state government will get a debate and vote on the state House floor.

Two bills by Moore Republican Randy Terrill were approved in state House committees Wednesday and sent on to the full House for consideration.

Terrill's bills aim to prevent the state from providing taxpayer-funded services in any language other than English. That would eliminate such needs as publishing driver's license tests in multiple languages.

Representatives of the Latino Community Development Agency and American Civil Liberties Union spoke out in opposition to the bills. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith has also opposed similar measures.

For more information on the Oklahoma Legislature, visit their web site.

Any constitutional amendment to make English the state's official language would be subject to a statewide vote.