WA Legislators Want to End English Language Requirement for Cops

Some legislators in Washington state are trying to eliminate the requirement for police officers and other public safety officials to be able to read and write in English.

SB 5274 seeks to "expand eligibility in certain civil service positions to allow lawful permanent residents to apply." In the current version passed by the state senate on March 8, the English language requirement is removed, Fox News reports.

The bill applies to applicants for the city police agencies, city firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and fish and wildlife officers.

State Senator Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) was joined by ten other Democrats to sponsor the bill. The Democrat argued it would help address current job shortages and "promote diversification of Washington’s public service by encouraging and highlighting bilingualism and multilingualism."