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PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona bill to prohibit state agencies from mailing out some government documents in any language but English has cleared an initial hurdle.

Republican Rep. Steve Smith of Maricopa says his bill is intended to save money and also reinforce a 2006 voter-approved law that makes English the state's official language.

The Arizona Republic says the bill has an exception for voting material but that the proposed law would apply to driver's license manuals, applications for social services and some school information.

Critics say it could violate the federal Civil Rights Act.

The House Government Committee endorsed the bill Tuesday. It next faces consideration by the Rules Committee and reviews by party caucuses before being considered by the full House.

Passage would send it to the Senate.