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HR 482

A Concurrent Resolution recognizing July 4, 2026, as "Independence Day" in Pennsylvania and honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kerry Benninghoff and 30 co-sponsors

Designate July 4, 2026 as Independence Day in Pennsylvania and honor the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 482

Summary of HR 482 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

  • Type of bill: Concurrent Resolution
  • Purpose: Recognize July 4, 2026, as “Independence Day” in Pennsylvania and honor the 250th anniversary of the United States.
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania, 2025-2026
  • Sponsors: Multiple state representatives (listed as co-sponsors), including Andrew Kuzma, Jeremy Shaffer, Kathy Rapp, Christina Sappey, Nikki Rivera, Jared Solomon, Tarik Khan, Scott Conklin, Joe Hohenstein, Bud Cook, Joe Hamm, Craig Staats, Tom Mehaffie, Mark Gillen, Nancy Guenst, Charity Krupa, Brenda Pugh, Arvind Venkat, Steve Malagari, among others.

1) Purpose and Intention

  • The bill seeks formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania General Assembly of a specific date—July 4, 2026—as Independence Day within the state.
  • It also aims to honor and commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary (the nation’s sesquicentennial milestone), recognizing its historical significance and the shared national celebration.

2) Key Provisions

  • Designation: Officially designate July 4, 2026, as Independence Day in Pennsylvania.
  • Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary: Recognize and honor the United States’ 250th (sesquicentennial) anniversary, highlighting themes of American independence, history, and national identity.
  • Observance Encouragement: While the text provided does not include specific ceremonial activities, concurrent resolutions typically encourage appropriate observances, ceremonies, and education across state and local governments, schools, and communities.
  • No Allocation of Funds (Typically): Concurrent resolutions of this nature generally do not create new state appropriations unless explicitly stated. The summary here assumes no new mandatory funding unless the bill text indicates otherwise.

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • State Government and Institutions: Pennsylvania state agencies, schools, and local governments may be expected to recognize and participate in observances.
  • Public Awareness: Citizens of Pennsylvania through schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations may observe commemorations and educational initiatives tied to Independence Day and the 250th anniversary.
  • Ceremonial Proceedings: Potentially informs ceremonial proclamations, legislative observances, and public events coordinated at the state level.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Action: As a concurrent resolution, it requires passage by both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly (House of Representatives and Senate) and signature by the Governor to become effective.
  • Effective Date: Such resolutions typically become effective immediately upon enactment or upon publication, unless a specific effective date is stated in the text.
  • Next Steps: If enacted, the resolution would communicate the intent and encourage observance during the 2026 calendar year, particularly around July 4, 2026.

5) Context and Potential Impact

  • Symbolic Significance: Establishes a formal state-level acknowledgment aligning with national celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
  • Educational and Civic Value: May prompt schools and communities to incorporate historical education and commemorative activities related to American independence and the founding era.
  • Non-Binding Nature: As a concurrent resolution, it expresses the sentiment of the Legislature and does not create new law or regulatory requirements beyond encouragement and recognition.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential local government actions, public observance suggestions, or compare it to similar concurrent resolutions from other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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