Republican senators united on the Senate floor today behind a bill by a freshman Democrat that will require English-language competency of all students before graduating high school.

Senate Bill 73, by Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, passed on second reading by a voice vote and is scheduled for third reading by the full Senate.

“We need to send a signal of assimilation not just immigration,” Romer said when introducing his bill.

Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, argued for the bill because it challenges students on grasping necessary reforms in education.

“It’s educational fraud not to have English competency,” Mitchell said. “Let’s not perpetuate an injury by giving students a false high-school diploma.”

Assistant GOP Leader Nancy Spence, of Centennial, agreed when stating her endorsement of the English proposal.

“This bill is about giving kids the skill to read the diploma they get in high school,” she said.

Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, said she was all for English competency but suggested that the state does a poor job of funding such programs. “It’s an unfunded mandate for school districts,” said Windels, a prominent opponent of the measure.

SB 73 aims to help Coloradans who are hindered by their second-language status better assimilate into the workforce after graduating high school argued proponents. Navigating business, commerce and safety all require knowledge of the English language, explained Romer.

“This bill ensures students can be safe and efficient in the workplace and daily activities,” he said.

If it becomes law, SB 73 – which asks for no funding – will go into effect in 2012. That should give schools time to experiment with tactics and realign their resources in order to meet the requirements, Romer said.

School districts will get to individually define “competency,” which is critical because needs vary by district. However, it is certain that SB 73 ups the ante on districts to focus on English language acquisition and competency.