State Historical Society of Iowa

Iowa English Language Reaffirmation Act, 2002

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Text of a law passed in 2002 reaffirming English as the official language of Iowa.
Courtesy of Iowa Legislature, "Iowa English Language Reaffirmation," Iowa Code, 2002

Description 

Former Governor Tom Vilsack signed into law the Iowa English Language Reaffirmation Act in 2002. The law reaffirms English as the official language of the state and that all official documents should be in English.  

Full Transcript of the Iowa English Language Reaffirmation Act

Transcribed Excerpt from the Iowa English Language Reaffirmation Act

Source-Dependent Questions

  • What was the stated intent of this legislation? What were specific requirements of this law that would impact residents?
  • What were the arguments used in the legislation to "reaffirm" the official language of the state as English? What, if any, connections can you make to the arguments used by Governor William Harding in his revocation of the Babel Proclamation?
  • Does this law reaffirm or contradict policies outlined by Governor Robert Ray in his hearing?

Citation Information 

"Iowa English Language Reaffirmation," Iowa Code, 2002. Courtesy of Iowa Legislature