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HB 2632

Modernizing terminology when referring to individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the United States.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 16 co-sponsors

Washington HB 2632 modernizes official state terminology for non-citizens and non-nationals throughout statutes and regulations to reflect current language standards.

Effective date 6/11/2026*.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2632

Legislative bill overview

HB 2632 updates Washington state's legal and official terminology for referring to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals. The bill modernizes language across state statutes and regulations to replace outdated or potentially stigmatizing terms with more current nomenclature. The specific terminology changes are not detailed in the available information, but this type of legislation typically shifts from terms like "illegal alien" to alternatives such as "undocumented immigrant" or "noncitizen."

Why is this important

Terminology used in law carries legal, administrative, and social weight. Language in statutes affects how policies are interpreted, enforced, and perceived by affected communities and the general public. Updating official terminology can reflect evolving standards, improve clarity in legal documents, and address concerns that certain terms carry dehumanizing connotations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: Opponents may argue that standardized federal terminology should be maintained for consistency across state and federal law, or that alternative terms are less precise for legal purposes
  • Scope and implementation: Questions about which agencies, documents, and programs are affected and the costs associated with updating systems, forms, and training materials
  • Symbolic vs. substantive debate: Supporters view this as modernizing respectful language; critics may see it as semantics that don't address underlying immigration policy concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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