New York A 9241: Makes English the official language of New York state

Bill Text

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A09241 Summary:

BILL NOA09241 

&nbsp

SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORDiPietro

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COSPNSR

&nbsp

MLTSPNSR

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Add Art 9 §§130 - 132, State L

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Enacts the New York state English language empowerment act which deems English the official language of the government of the state of New York.

Go to top A09241 Actions:

BILL NOA09241 

&nbsp

11/07/2025referred to governmental operations

01/07/2026referred to governmental operations

Go to topA09241 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topA09241 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topA09241 Text:

 STATE OF NEW YORK
 ________________________________________________________________________

 9241

 2025-2026 Regular Sessions

 IN ASSEMBLY

 November 7, 2025
 ___________

 Introduced by M. of A. DiPIETRO -- read once and referred to the Commit-
 tee on Governmental Operations

 AN ACT to amend the state law, in relation to making English the offi-
 cial language of New York state

 The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-
 bly, do enact as follows:

 1 Section 1. The state law is amended by adding a new article 9 to read
 2 as follows:

 3 ARTICLE 9
 4 OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGE
 5 Section 130. Legislative findings and intent.
 6 131. Short title.
 7 132. Official state language.
 8 § 130. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature hereby finds
 9 that, the state is comprised of individuals from many ethnic, cultural,
 10 and linguistic backgrounds, and continues to benefit from this rich
 11 diversity. Throughout the history of New York and the United States, the
 12 common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the
 13 English language. Command of the English language is necessary to
 14 participate in and take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by
 15 American life. Absent a rudimentary command of the English language,
 16 citizens of this state are not able to make their voices heard in the
 17 legislative process, effectively exercise their right to vote, or fully
 18 understand the rights afforded them by the United States and New York
 19 Constitutions. Such citizens also have a more difficult time finding
 20 gainful employment, affordable housing, health insurance, and otherwise
 21 availing themselves of the full benefits of American life for themselves
 22 and their families.
 23 § 131. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the
 24 "New York state English language empowerment act".

 EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
 [ ] is old law to be omitted.
 LBD13457-01-5

 A. 9241 2

 1 § 132. Official state language. English shall be the official language
 2 of the government of the state of New York. 1. The state of New York
 3 shall conduct all official business of this state in English. All offi-
 4 cial documents, regulations, orders, and publications shall be printed
 5 in English and all official programs, meetings, transactions, and
 6 actions conducted by or on behalf of this state and all its political
 7 subdivisions shall be in English.
 8 2. a. Other languages may be used by government officials, and in
 9 official documents, whenever necessary to:
 10 (i) protect the health, safety, or liberty of any citizen;
 11 (ii) teach or study other languages;
 12 (iii) protect the rights of criminal defendants or the victims of
 13 crime;
 14 (iv) promote trade, tourism, or commerce;
 15 (v) facilitate activities pertaining to the compilation of any census;
 16 (vi) comply with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
 17 Act;
 18 (vii) use proper names, terms of art, or phrases from languages other
 19 than English; or
 20 (viii) comply with the Constitution and laws of the United States of
 21 America, or the state constitution.
 22 b. Except in exigent circumstances, when an official government docu-
 23 ment is translated into any language other than English under this
 24 section, an English translation will also be provided in the same docu-
 25 ment, appearing in such a manner as to afford the reader the opportunity
 26 to observe the English translation of all phrases used.
 27 3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
 28 a. diminish the usage of, prevent the study or development of, or
 29 disco