An Act providing for the English language as the official language of the Commonwealth; and imposing a certain restriction on use of appropriated funds.
This bill designates English as the official language of Pennsylvania and requires state and local government official documents and actions to be in English. It prohibits government policies that favor non-English languages or diminish English's role, while explicitly exempting public safety, health, and justice situations where other languages are necessary. The legislation also restricts the use of state funds to promote or demonstrate preference for languages other than English, with exceptions for foreign language instruction, Native American language preservation, and international commerce. Private businesses and individuals retain the right to use any language they choose, and the law does not apply when federal law requires otherwise.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 13, 2025
Last action Mar 13, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 13, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Government
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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