English as state language

AN ACT Relating to designating English as the official language 1
of the state; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating 2
a new section. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. As the United States celebrates the 250th 5
anniversary of its independence, it is the intent of the legislature 6
to honor English as the language of our national and state founding 7
generations. It is further the intent of the legislature to promote 8
unity, cross-cultural understanding, and patriotism.9
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 1.20 RCW 10
to read as follows: 11
(1) English is designated as the official language of the state 12
of Washington. 13
(2) The official language is designated as the language of any 14
official public record and any official public meeting.15
(a) An official public record is any record officially compiled, 16
published, or recorded by the state and any other document or record 17
subject to public inspection and copying under the public records 18
act, chapter 42.56 RCW. 19
H-2629.1
HOUSE BILL 2197
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Abell, Chase, and Graham
Prefiled 12/24/25. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee
on State Government & Tribal Relations.
p. 1 HB 2197
(b) An official public meeting is any meeting required to be open 1
under chapter 42.30 RCW. 2
(3) Except as otherwise provided by law, no state agency or 3
political or taxing subdivision of the state may be required to 4
provide any documents, information, literature, or other written 5
materials in any language other than English. Nothing in this section 6
prohibits the use of a language other than English by a state agency 7
or political or taxing subdivision where use of such language is 8
required by state or federal law. Nothing in this section prohibits 9
state agencies or political or taxing subdivisions from: (a) 10
Publishing any official public document or record in languages other 11
than English at their discretion, so long as the document or record 12
is also published in English; or (b) permitting a person who does not 13
speak English to speak or communicate at an official public meeting 14
with the assistance of an interpreter. 15
(4) This section shall not be construed in any way to infringe 16
upon the rights of citizens under the Washington state Constitution 17
or the United States Constitution in the use of language in any 18
private activity. No agency or officer of the state or any political 19
or taxing subdivision of the state may place any restrictions or 20
requirements regarding language usage on any business operating in 21
the private sector other than official documents, forms, submissions, 22
or other communications directed to government agencies and officers, 23
which communications shall be in the official language as recognized 24
in this section. 25
(5) The state of Washington recognizes the importance of 26
establishing and actively promoting English language classes, English 27
language training, or citizenship classes for nonnative speakers. The 28
institutions of higher education and community and technical colleges 29
are encouraged to offer such services and are encouraged to seek the 30
assistance of local political subdivisions, community-based agencies 31
and organizations, migrant worker groups, refugee resettlement 32
programs, schools, churches, and others in making nonnative speakers 33
aware of the availability of such classes and training and ensuring 34
their continuation and expansion. 35
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. If any provision of this act or its 36
application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the 37
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remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other 1
persons or circumstances is not affected. 2
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p. 3 HB 2197