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Senate panel sends English constitutional amendment to the floor
Summary
The committee voted by voice to send HJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to make English the official state language (subject to federal law), to the Senate floor. Sponsors said the measure would place the question before voters in November.
Senate State Affairs on March 21 advanced HJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to make English the official state language, sending the resolution to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation by voice vote.
Senator Lenney told the committee HJR 6 would place a question on the November ballot to declare English the official language of the state, except where federal law requires otherwise, and said the goal was to culturally unite the state under one language. Senator Shippy asked whether other languages would be excluded; Lenney affirmed that the resolution would not prevent other languages from being used alongside English.
Senator Adams asked about a $300,000 fiscal note related to printing ballot materials; Representative Hawkins explained that the stated dollar amount would be divided across each printed resolution placed on the ballot, reducing the per‑resolution cost. Senator Toews moved to send HJR 6 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation; Senator Adams seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The resolution will be placed on the ballot if it proceeds through the legislative process; the committee record notes the printing and fiscal assumptions discussed during the hearing.
