Sec. 1. 1 MRSA §224 is enacted to read:

§224.__State languages

1. Official languages. English and French are the official languages of the State.__They are designated as the languages of all public documents and records and of all public proceedings and executive sessions.

2.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Executive sessions" means meetings at which only members of the elected or appointed public body and their legal counsel, authorized staff and invited witnesses may be present.

B.__"Official languages" means the prescribed languages of all public documents, records and proceedings.

C.__"Public documents and records" means all documents officially compiled, published or recorded by the State and specifically includes all ballots used in statewide or local elections.

D.__"Public proceedings" has the same meaning as in section 402, subsection 2 and includes the information recorded at those proceedings.

3.__Exemptions. The provisions of this section do not apply:

A. To instruction in foreign language courses or other requirements of the University of Maine System, the State's public schools or any private school or college;

B. To instruction designed to aid students with limited English to integrate into the general education system;

C. To the promotion of international commerce, tourism and sporting events;

D. When the provisions interfere with the needs of the justice system;

E.__When the public health, public safety or emergency services require the use of other languages, including, but not limited to, highway signs and other public signs; and