CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House Judiciary Committee has approved and sent the floor a bill requiring state business to be conducted in English. HB 3019 says that all “official business and records of the state and its political subdivisions be conducted in English.”
At least 31 other states have laws identifying English as the official language. The bill allows for exceptions in instances of health and public safety, the teaching of foreign languages, trade and tourism, conducting the Census and judicial activities.
U.S. English Chairman Mauro Mujica said, “Declaring an official language is a common sense way to unite all residents. When government business is conducted in English, it sends the message that learning English is essential to full civic participation.”
However, Delegate Stephen Skinner (D-Jefferson) said the bill is not necessary. “This bill addresses a problem that doesn’t actually exist,” Skinner said. “This is not needed and is more likely than not political than it is anything.”
A similar bill passed the House overwhelmingly last year, but failed to become law.