Pennsylvania Establishes English as Official State Language and Restricts Multilingual Public Spending

Original title: An Act providing for the English language as the official language of the Commonwealth; and imposing a certain restriction on use of appropriated funds.

Last action · March 13, 2025: Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, March 13, 2025Sponsors: Eric Davanzo and 8 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania House Bill 902 designates English as the official language of the Commonwealth and the required language for all official government acts, while prohibiting state agencies from spending appropriated funds to promote any other language. The legislation includes specific exemptions for public safety, health, education, and federal law mandates, taking effect in 90 days.

Why it matters

State and local government agencies face restrictions on using public funds for official documents, publications, and notices in languages other than English, with exceptions for emergency public health and safety communications.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Commonwealth and its political subdivisions

State and local government agencies must conduct official acts in English and are restricted from spending appropriated funds to promote other languages.

Directly affected

Students with limited English proficiency

Instruction designed to aid students with limited English proficiency in their transition and integration into the education system is explicitly exempted from the act.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill prevent private businesses from using other languages?

No. The bill explicitly states it shall not be used to dictate language policies for the operation and administration of organizations or businesses in the unregulated private sector.

Are there exceptions where government agencies can use languages other than English?

Yes. Exceptions include when federal law requires it, when public safety, health, or justice requires it, foreign language education, international commerce promotion, and protections for criminal defendants or crime victims.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Mar 13, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, March 13, 2025

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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