SJR10 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg AlbrittonGerald H. AllenWill BarfootWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyTom ButlerClyde ChamblissDonnie ChesteenLinda Coleman-MadisonPriscilla DunnChris ElliottVivian Davis FiguresSam GivhanGarlan GudgerJimmy HolleyAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonDel MarshJim McClendonTim MelsonRandy PriceGreg J. ReedDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierClay ScofieldShay ShelnuttBobby D. SingletonRodger SmithermanLarry StuttsJ.T. WaggonerTom WhatleyJack W. Williams

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, created for 250th anniversary of USA on July 4, 2026.

Summary

The bill creates the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission to plan and promote Alabama's public celebrations for the United States' 250th birthday in 2026.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a state commission with defined membership and duties to coordinate commemorations, cooperates with the federal and other organizations, and designates a celebration capitol at the American Village campus. It sets educational goals to teach about independence, history, civic values, and veterans, and requires annual reports with recommendations through 2027 before dissolving the commission.

Who It Affects

• Alabamians (residents, students, teachers, and veterans) who will participate in and benefit from statewide commemorative events and educational outreach, including recognition of veterans.
• State government, public agencies, and higher education institutions (including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislative leaders, and public colleges/universities) which will appoint members, coordinate activities, potentially manage funds, and implement or support the commission's plans.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission to plan, promote, and implement public celebrations and commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the United States on July 4, 2026.
• Authorizes cooperation with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and other national, state, and local organizations; promotes interagency collaboration for the Semiquincentennial.
• Educational and outreach goals include promoting understanding of the Declaration principles, teaching American history, advancing civic knowledge and the meaning of E Pluribus Unum, and sharing diverse stories of people who have contributed to American history; emphasizes veterans’ service.
• Designates the American Village campus (Citizenship Trust) as Alabama's celebration capitol and a national/regional welcome and education center for the Semiquincentennial.
• Establishes an 11-member voting commission with defined appointing authorities (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, two members from U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, and two at-large members); terms last for the life of the commission with vacancies filled by the original appointing methods; requires diverse representation.
• Governs governance and operations: commission elects officers, sets rules, and may appoint an executive officer; members serve without compensation (legislative members may receive expenses); executive officer may manage funds and accept donations for express use by the commission; elected officials on the commission cannot solicit private funds.
• Allows advisory committees representing state agencies, educational institutions, veterans and civic organizations to provide guidance to the commission.
• Requires an annual written report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature at least 30 days before each Regular Session from 2021 through 2027, including ideas for state and local legacy projects and educational enhancements.
• Dissolves the commission and its advisory committees after adjourning the Regular Session of 2027.

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