1-27-22.   Application of English as common language requirement. The provisions of §§ 1-27-20 to 1-27-26, inclusive, do not apply:

             (1)      To instruction in foreign language courses;

             (2)      To instruction designed to aid students with limited English proficiency in a timely transition and integration into the general education system;

             (3)      To the conduct of international commerce, tourism, and sporting events;

             (4)      When deemed to interfere with needs of the justice system;

             (5)      When the public safety, health, or emergency services require the use of other languages. However, any such authorization for the use of a language other than the common language in printing informational materials or publications for general distribution must be approved in an open public meeting pursuant to chapter 1-25 by the governing board or authority of the relevant state or municipal entity and the decision shall be recorded in publicly available minutes;

             (6)      When expert testimony, witnesses, or speakers require a language other than the common language. However, for purposes of deliberation, decision making, or record keeping, the official version of such testimony or commentary shall be the officially translated English language version.

Source: SL 1995, ch 9, § 3

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