SJR58 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, created

Summary

SJR58 creates the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission to plan and promote Alabama's participation in the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and related educational efforts for 2026.

What This Bill Does

It establishes an 11-member commission to coordinate statewide celebrations and educational programs for the 250th anniversaries, designates the American Village campus as a celebration capitol, and enables the commission to cooperate with national and other groups. It sets governance rules, funding provisions, and a framework for advisory committees, annual reports, and eventual dissolution after the 2027 Regular Session; it also outlines restrictions on fundraising by elected officials and authorizes Humane funding reception and management for the commemorations.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents and students who will participate in and benefit from educational outreach, commemorative events, and increased knowledge about American history and civics.
• Alabama state government, public agencies, colleges and universities, veterans organizations, and other public and private groups that will participate in planning, advising, funding, and carrying out the commemorative activities.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission to plan, promote, and implement public celebrations and educational outreach for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 2026) and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
• Authorizes cooperation with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and other organizations; encourages coordination among state agencies to support the commemorations.
• Designates the American Village campus as an Alabama 'celebration capitol' and a welcome/education center for the Semiquincentennial.
• Helps promote educational goals about liberty, self-government, and inclusion, including telling diverse historical stories and civic education across Alabama.
• Establishes an 11-member governing body with specified appointments, diversity requirements, and terms for the life of the commission; sets vacancy rules.
• Elects officers, adopts rules, and allows designated executive officers to manage funds and administer federal, state, or private money for the commission’s use; limits compensation and allows expense reimbursement for certain members.
• Prohibits elected public officials on the commission from soliciting private gifts or funds for the commission.
• Puts in place advisory committees drawn from various state agencies and educational and civic organizations to guide the commission.
• Requires an annual written report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, 30 days before each Regular Session from 2021 to 2027, and dissolves the commission after adjournment of the 2027 Regular Session.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative