Oklahoma Senate Committee Approves Official English Bill

The Oklahoma Senate Rules Committee voted 9-6 yesterday to approve a measure that would give Oklahoma voters the opportunity to make English the official language of the state. If approved by the Senate, the measure would go to the voters in November.

H.J.R. 1042, introduced by Rep. Randy Terrill, passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives earlier this session by a vote of 66-32. The measure is expected to be considered in the entire Senate during the month of April.

Recent polls have shown that more than 80 percent of Oklahomans favor making English the official language bill. To date, 30 states have adopted official English policies, including Arizona in 2006 and Kansas and Idaho in 2007.