SB 106/a DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Sen William E. Sharer

Actions: [1] SCC/SIRC/SFC-SCC [2]germane-SIRC [4] DP/a-SFC [7] DP/a - PASSED/S (38-1) [11] HAFC-HAFC [14] DP [15] PASSED/H (61-0) SGND BY GOV (Feb. 29) Ch. 23.

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 106 (SB 106) This legislative act is related to cultural affairs, specifically creating a commission to plan and implement celebrations commemorating the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America. 

 Senate Bill 106 (SB 106)  
•	This Legislative Act's purpose is to create the "semiquincentennial commission" tasked with planning, promoting, and implementing celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America on July 4, 2026.
Composition of the Commission:
•	The commission includes various members, such as the governor (honorary chair), lieutenant governor, legislative representatives, secretaries of different departments, the state historian, and four public members appointed by the governor.  
•	The Cultural Affairs Department is designated to provide staff support to the commission.
Powers and Duties:
•	The commission is empowered to cooperate with other national and state organizations, promote celebratory events through various media, encourage awareness and understanding of historical principles, and increase public knowledge and appreciation of American history.  
•	The commission may designate advisory and honorary boards, enter into contracts, accept donations, gifts, grants, and undertake other actions consistent with the act's purposes.  
•	The commission is required to consult, cooperate, and seek advice from various entities, including state departments, educational institutions, and historical organizations.
Report Submission:
•	The commission is mandated to submit a report to the governor by December 31, 2024, with specific recommendations for ceremonial, educational, and scholastic commemoration. The report includes recommendations for various activities and the allocation of financial and administrative responsibility.
Appropriation:
•	An appropriation of $250,000 from the general fund to the Cultural Affairs Department is provided for the expenses of the semiquincentennial commission, with any unexpended balance reverting to the general fund at the end of fiscal year 2027.
Termination:
•	The commission is set to terminate on December 31, 2026.
 

 Amended January 30, 2024
SIRCa/SB 106:  This bill was recommended to pass by the Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee.  The bill is amended as follows:  
•	On page 2, line 25, after “historian” insert “who shall convene the first meeting”.