Constitutional amendment; provides that English is official language of State. (HJ729)

Introduced By

Del. Johnny Joannou (D-Portsmouth) with support from co-patron Del. Mark Cole (R-Fredericksburg)

Progress

√
 Introduced
X
 Passed Committee
☐
 Passed House
☐
 Passed Senate
☐
 Signed by Governor
☐
 Became Law

Description

Constitutional amendment (first resolution); English as the official language of the Commonwealth. Provides that English is the official language of Virginia. View Full Text »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

  • 01/14/2009 Committee
  • 01/14/2009 Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09 095515572
  • 01/14/2009 Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
  • 01/22/2009 Assigned P & E sub: Constitutional
  • 02/10/2009 Left in Privileges and Elections

Comments

CG2 Consulting, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

This is a VACOLAO legislative priority. VACOLAO opposes this bill which is the first step toward putting an English only requirement in the state constitution. Virginia established English as its "official" language in 1996. This proposal sends a message to all persons in Virginia whose first language is other than English that they are not welcome.

Posted 53 months ago.
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The Virginia Interfaith Center opposes this bill.

Posted 53 months ago.
Phil writes:

This would gratuitously send a xenophobic message about Virginia. (Why not make go all the way and make white the official race of Virginia?)

Posted 53 months ago.
Nonprofit NoVA, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

Oppose

Posted 52 months ago.