English-Only and English as Official Language Bills Gain Momentum

By Elizabeth Llorente

Published February 01, 2011

State legislators in Indiana and Minnesota are pushing laws requiring public documents and other government business in those states to be done only in English.

Minnesota state Senators introduced their bill on Monday; the measure is similar to one introduced in the state House earlier this month.

Indiana state House representatives voted 63 to 26 last week to require all business to be conducted in English. Next the bill heads to the state Senate. Like Minnesota, Indiana’s measure allows exceptions to the English-only rule in cases of public health or safety situations.

Official English advocates say they feel the momentum is on their side this year, with many Republicans who support the measure having won in the November elections and in a position to move the issue forward.

“No doubt about it,â€