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HR 490

A Resolution designating June 2, 2026, as "AKA Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania in recognition of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Morgan Cephas and 9 co-sponsors

Designate June 2, 2026 as AKA Day at the Capitol to formally recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its contributions in Pennsylvania.

Reported as committed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 490

Overview

  • Bill: House Bill 490 (HB 490), 2025-2026 Regular Session, Pennsylvania
  • Purpose: A resolution designating June 2, 2026, as “AKA Day at the Capitol” in recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), and related recognition and messaging.
  • Current status: Referred to Judiciary (Feb. 27, 2026); later stages include action in Appropriations and then Senate Judiciary. As of the latest actions, the bill has moved through various committees with final House floor passage having occurred on Feb. 4, 2026, and a subsequent Senate referral to Judiciary on Feb. 27, 2026. Additional procedural steps may follow in the Senate.

Note: The bill text provided emphasizes designation of a commemorative day rather than substantive policy changes. The broader HB 490 reference in the Materials appears to describe a different topic (HB 490 in the 2025-2026 PA cycle often concerns amendments to deposition/witness procedures and journalist protections). The subject line indicates a concurrent or related “AKA Day at the Capitol” designation, which would typically be a House resolution or a concurrent resolution rather than a statute-altering bill. The status history shown (third consideration, final passage, and appropriations routing) aligns with a general legislative process track for a substantive bill, but the explicit “AKA Day at the Capitol” designation would ordinarily be a resolution rather than a law.

Main purpose and intent

  • Official Recognition: Designate a specific day (June 2, 2026) as “AKA Day at the Capitol” to recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and its contributions.
  • Public Acknowledgment: Provide formal acknowledgment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of AKA’s service, history, or impact as a component of cultural and civic life.

Key provisions and changes

  • designation: The bill would establish June 2, 2026, as a special day of recognition at the Pennsylvania Capitol.
  • Scope of recognition: Typically would authorize or direct appropriate legislative documents, proclamations, and public regard for AKA and its programs, possibly including activities at the Capitol, educational or community engagement ties, and acknowledgement by lawmakers.
  • Relationship to other statutes: If treated as a resolution, it would not create new entitlements or expenditures or alter statutory authorities beyond formal recognition. If treated as a bill with broader content, the exact text would specify the nature of the designation (e.g., a resolution passed by both chambers or a joint resolution).

Who would be affected

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA): Primary beneficiaries through formal recognition.
  • Members and supporters of AKA in Pennsylvania: May participate in or benefit from ceremonial events, public acknowledgment, and related activities at the Capitol.
  • Pennsylvania lawmakers, state agencies, and the public: Subject to ceremonial actions, proclamations, and potential commemorative events aligned with the designated day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: HB 490 was introduced and referred to Judiciary (Feb. 5, 2025) and subsequently moved through committees.
  • Committee actions: Reported as committed (Nov. 17, 2025); later proceedings included removal from table (Feb. 2, 2026) and re-commitment to Appropriations (Feb. 3, 2026).
  • Floor actions: Third consideration and final passage in the House occurred on Feb. 4, 2026 (vote 100-98).
  • Senate actions: Referred to Senate Judiciary (Feb. 27, 2026). Subsequent Senate action would determine whether the resolution is enacted as a formal recognition.
  • Fiscal notes: An appropriations committee process is referenced, but for a ceremonial designation, no significant ongoing funding is typically required beyond standard ceremonial costs; any fiscal note would detail anticipated expenditures if any.

Note on scope and interpretation

  • The material mixes a ceremonial designation (AKA Day at the Capitol) with legislative process notes commonly associated with substantive bills. The essential takeaway is that the bill seeks formal recognition of AKA on a designated day, with standard legislative procedures to enact such symbolic recognition. If you need a precise, final text interpretation, I can review the enrolled bill language or the final enacted form once available.

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

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