HR 4692

In Committee

House

Japanese-Americans/WWII

Honoring Japanese-Americans who suffered relocation and internment during World War II.

Introduced (completed)
2
Committee (current stage)
3
Floor Vote (not started)
4
Opposite Chamber (not started)
5
Governor (not started)
6
Signed (not started)

This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.

How does a bill become law?

Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
Signed: The bill has been signed into law.

Introduced: February 18, 2026

Last Action: February 19, 2026

Status: H Adopted

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AI Analysis

This analysis was generated by AI and may contain errors. It is not legal advice. Always refer to the official bill text for authoritative information.

People & CommunitiesPeople-leaningCorporate & Wealthy Interests

This resolution commemorates the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and formally acknowledges the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, with specific recognition of Washington State residents and veterans. It honors their resilience, civil rights activism, and contributions, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to justice and equity.

Formally acknowledges the 84th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, including 12,000 from Washington State.
Recognizes the experiences of Japanese American veterans, especially members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, who served with distinction despite being imprisoned in concentration camps.
Honors civil rights activists like Gordon Hirabayashi, a University of Washington student from Auburn who resisted unjust incarceration orders and was imprisoned for doing so.
Affirms the findings of the 1982 Congressional commission, which concluded the incarceration resulted from racial prejudice, war hysteria, and political failure—not military necessity.
Directs the House Chief Clerk to transmit copies of the resolution to key Japanese American organizations, including the Nisei Veterans Committee, Densho, the Japanese American Citizens League, and others, to support ongoing education and remembrance.

Who is affected

Japanese American community in Washington State — Honors and recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington State, particularly those affected by Executive Order 9066 and World War II incarceration.
General public and students — Directs official acknowledgment and education efforts related to the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, supporting public awareness and historical memory.
Historical and cultural institutions (e.g., Wing Luke Museum, Densho) — Supports preservation and sharing of personal stories and historical records of Japanese American incarceration, especially those tied to Washington State locations like Bainbridge Island and Camp Harmony.
Educators and schools — Encourages reflection on constitutional values and civil liberties through the lens of past injustices, reinforcing civic education goals.

Effective: February 19, 2026

Model: Intel/Qwen3-Coder-Next-int4-AutoRoundGenerated: Mar 19, 2026, 8:24 PM

Pro/Con Analysis

Stronger case for benefits

Potential Benefits (5)

Formally affirms the violation of constitutional rights and due process experienced by Japanese Americans, reinforcing the principle that civil liberties are not contingent on race or ethnicity — a foundational statement for future civil rights protections.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Whereas clauses on Gordon Hirabayashi, 442nd RCT, and Civil Liberties Act of 1988
Acknowledges the trauma and intergenerational harm caused by state-sanctioned racism, validating lived experiences and supporting community healing — a necessary step toward trust-building between marginalized communities and state institutions.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Whereas clauses on economic loss, psychological harm, and 'Nidoto Nai Yoni' message
Endorses the official historical record that the incarceration resulted from racial prejudice and political failure—not military necessity—providing authoritative support for accurate civic education and countering revisionist or misleading narratives.
EducationPeopleRef: Whereas clause on 1982 Congressional commission findings
Strengthens partnerships between the state and Japanese American community institutions (e.g., Densho, Wing Luke Museum), supporting long-term civic engagement, historical preservation, and community-led education initiatives.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Directs transmission to Japanese American organizations
Encourages reflection on constitutional values and civic responsibility, reinforcing civic education goals in schools and promoting awareness of how systemic injustice can arise during times of crisis.
EducationPeopleRef: Preamble and 'Let it Not Happen Again' framing

Potential Concerns (1)

The resolution may provoke backlash or resentment among some members of the public who misinterpret the commemoration as an accusation of collective guilt or as politicizing WWII history, potentially fueling polarization or backlash rhetoric — though no provision mandates action beyond symbolic recognition.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble and Whereas clauses

Who Is Most Affected

Japanese American community in Washington StatePositive Impact
The resolution directly affirms the community’s historical trauma, honors veterans and resisters, and supports intergenerational healing. While symbolic, it validates lived experience and strengthens community trust in state institutions.
General public and studentsPositive Impact
Students and educators gain access to authoritative historical framing and resources that support accurate civic learning. The resolution provides a foundation for curriculum development around civil liberties and constitutional rights.
Historical and cultural institutions (e.g., Wing Luke Museum, Densho)Positive Impact
Institutions like Densho and the Wing Luke Museum gain official recognition and legitimacy for their work, potentially improving access to public funding and partnerships. The resolution supports their mission of preserving and sharing Japanese American history.
Educators and schoolsPositive Impact
Educators can use the resolution as a framework for teaching constitutional history, civil rights, and civic responsibility — especially relevant in an era of rising historical denialism and hate crimes.