Wash. bill would remove English language requirement for city firefighters, police

By Leila Merrill
Editorial Staff

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill passed by the Washington state Senate earlier this month would remove the requirement that applicants for city firefighter, police and sheriff's office jobs be able to read and write in English.

SB 5274 reads: "This bill builds off legislation in 2018 to ensure lawful permanent residents have eligibility for civil service and enhances inclusiveness for those applicants. With some adjustments in language, this bill can promote diversification of Washington’s public service by encouraging and highlighting bilingualism and multilingualism."

The measure would also remove the language requirement for fish and wildlife officer positions.

According to a FoxNews report, State Senator Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) said the bill would help address current job shortages and "promote diversification of Washington’s public service by encouraging and highlighting bilingualism and multilingualism."

The bill has moved to the Washington House and is scheduled to be discussed in executive session.