A bill for an act adopting a state dictionary.

Iowa Senate File 2165, introduced by Senator Doug Campbell on January 29, 2026, proposes adopting the Oxford English Dictionary as the official state dictionary. This bill amends Section 1.18 of the Iowa Code to include a new subsection designating the Oxford English Dictionary as the state's official dictionary. The bill also clarifies that certain provisions of Code section 1.18 do not apply to areas such as tourism, commerce, public health and safety, language education, and communication by members of the general assembly or state government officers. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/IA/text/SF2165/2025?utm_source=openai))

While specific media coverage on this bill is limited, adopting a widely recognized and authoritative dictionary like the Oxford English Dictionary could standardize language usage across state documents and communications, potentially reducing ambiguities and enhancing clarity in legal and governmental contexts.

The bill's limited scope and lack of detailed provisions may lead to questions about its practical impact. Critics might argue that the state already has sufficient language standards in place and that adopting a specific dictionary could be seen as unnecessary or symbolic, diverting attention from more pressing legislative matters.