HARRISBURG — State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe recently introduced legislation that would make English the official language of Pennsylvania.

According to a press release, Metcalfe’s bill would require all official acts of state and local governments to be communicated in English.

It would also prohibit governmental entities from enacting a preference for any language other than English, except in the cases of promoting international tourism, when public health, safety or justice requires the use of another language, or in teaching English as a second language.

“Pennsylvania taxpayers simply cannot afford, and should not continue to be required, to foot the bill for government translating and printing infinite amounts of forms, documents and publications in many languages other than English,” Metcalfe said in the release.

He said that 31 states have passed similar legislation.

The bill is expected to be referred to the House State Government Committee, which Metcalfe leads.