JOINT RESOLUTION · 1995–96 SESSION
SJR 8209: English as official language
Amending the Constitution to declare English as the official language of the state of Washington.
Summary
- The state Constitution is amended to add an article providing that English is the official language of the state. The Legislature must enforce the article by appropriate legislation and must take all steps necessary to ensure that the English language and the role it has played as the common language of the state are preserved, protected, strengthened, and perpetuated.
From the Senate Bill Report (SJR 8209), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
- IntroducedJan 20, 1995
- Out of committeestopped here
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- Sent to voters
- Prime sponsor
- Harold Hochstatter (R-13)
- Introduced
- January 20, 1995 in the Senate
- Last action
- January 8, 1996
- Companion bill
- HJR 4214
Sponsors
Prime sponsor: Harold Hochstatter (R-13)
Votes
No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.
History
The Legislature's online data doesn't include step-by-step history for sessions before 2001. Its final status is shown above, and the official bill page may have more.
SJR 8209 in other sessions
Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.
- SJR 8209 (2025–26) Property taxes/residence
- SJR 8209 (2023–24) Residential ex./property tax
- SJR 8209 (2021–22) Domestic violence/bail
- SJR 8209 (2019–20) Public works assistance acct
- SJR 8209 (2017–18) Tax court
- SJR 8209 (2015–16) 2/3rd vote for tax increases
- SJR 8209 (2013–14) Higher education/priority
- SJR 8209 (2011–12) Salary reductions/officials