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

§224.__Designated language for documents and records

1. Designated language. English is designated as the language 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 session" means a meeting at which only members of an elected or appointed public body and their legal counsel, authorized staff and invited witnesses may be present.

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

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

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

A.__To public proceedings between the State of Maine and Canada when, in the opinion of the state department head or representative involved in such proceedings, it is necessary to conduct those proceedings wholly or partially in French and to use public documents and records that are written wholly or partially in French during the proceedings;

B. To instruction in foreign language courses or other requirements of the University of Maine System and the State's public schools;

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

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

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