SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 645
89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR HOUSE.
Pre-filed January 5, 1998, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
S2743.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 11, RSMo, by adding thereto five new sections relating to the official language of the state.
Section A. Chapter 11, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto five new sections, to be known as sections 11.103, 11.105, 11.107, 11.110, 11.112, to read as follows:
11.103. The English language is the official language of the state of Missouri.
11.105. 1. The adult basic education programs administered by the department of elementary and secondary education shall include the provision of official language services to non-native speakers who need assistance in learning English.
2. The local entity designated by the department of elementary and secondary education to offer adult basic education shall seek the assistance of local political subdivisions, community-based agencies and organizations, migrant worker groups, refugee resettlement programs, schools, churches and others in making non-native speakers aware of the availability of official language services.
3. Official language services provided through the adult basic education programs of the department of elementary and secondary education may include family and home-based curriculum and programs designed to enhance the English fluency of all family members and may include programs whereby family members teach each other the official language.
11.107. 1. Subject to appropriation from general revenue, the department of elementary and secondary education shall provide grants to assist local public school districts, community-based organizations and nonprofit agencies, including resettlement programs, to provide instruction in the official language to individuals residing in the community or district who have language background other than English and who need assistance in learning English. Preference in grants shall be given to communities and districts demonstrating the most need.
2. Services provided through the grants authorized in this section shall be offered at times and locations designed to best assure access to the services and may include the provision of services at the individual's home, refugee resettlement center, community centers, adult basic education offices, schools, and other places where such individuals congregate.
3. An entity accepting a grant under this section shall not discriminate in the provision of official language services on the grounds of the individual's race, color, religion, or national origin. Nor may the entity discriminate in the case where the individual is a child, where the child attends school.
4. As funds are appropriated by the Missouri general assembly, the department of elementary and secondary education shall implement classes for all age groups to assist individuals who are not proficient in the English language.
11.110. Subject to appropriation from general revenue, the director of social services shall offer grants, on a competitive basis, to programs which are engaged in the resettling of refugees and legal immigrants for the purpose of arranging for day care, transportation or other services that will facilitate a refugee's or immigrant's accessing of official language services. The department of social services may promulgate rules to govern the grant program, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo.
11.112. All wills and estates shall have an official English translation to ensure the accurate execution of such documents. If no such translation is provided at the time of probate, the court with jurisdiction shall make such arrangements as necessary to create an English translation. The reasonable costs associated with document translation shall be reimbursed from the estate or trust in an equitable manner.