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HR 420

A Resolution designating May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Banta and 14 co-sponsors

Designates May 20, 2026 as Jimmy Stewart Day in Pennsylvania to ceremonially honor the Pennsylvania-born actor’s legacy, including his film career, military service, and honors.

Reported as committed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 420

Bill Summary — Pennsylvania House Resolution HR 420 (2025-2026)

Title

Designating May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania.

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor the life, career, and legacy of actor James (Jimmy) Stewart, a Pennsylvania-born and nationally respected figure.
  • Establish May 20, 2026, as a commemorative day in the Commonwealth recognizing Stewart’s contributions to cinema, patriotism, and public life.

Key Provisions

  • Declares May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania.
  • The designation is ceremonial and designed to recognize Stewart’s connection to Pennsylvania (born in Indiana, PA; educated at Mercersburg Academy; ties to the state through early life and local legacy) and his notable achievements in film, military service, and public honors.
  • The resolution identifies a biographical overview highlighting:
    • Early life in Pennsylvania (birth and schooling)
    • Education (Princeton University; degree in architecture)
    • Notable film career milestones (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Philadelphia Story, Harvey)
    • Military service during World War II (Army Air Corps), honors (Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross)
    • Later recognitions (Honorary Academy Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Jimmy Stewart Museum)
    • Death in 1997

Who/What Is Affected

  • Symbolic designation affecting the Commonwealth’s official observances and public recognition on May 20, 2026.
  • Local and state government entities may reference the designation in events and proclamations.
  • General public in Pennsylvania who may participate in commemorations or educational activities related to Jimmy Stewart’s legacy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced on February 25, 2026, by Rep. Struzzi and a broad list of co-sponsors.
  • Referred to the Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development on February 25, 2026.
  • As of the action history, the bill was reported as committed on April 28, 2026 (indicating it advanced out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the full House for consideration).
  • The designation is for a single commemorative day (May 20, 2026) and does not create ongoing statutory requirements beyond recognition on that date.

Notable Details

  • The bill provides a concise biographical narrative to contextualize Stewart’s significance.
  • Includes participation by multiple sponsors from both chambers as of the 2025-2026 session, indicating broad support for the commemorative designation.

Summary

HR 420 designates May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the Pennsylvania-born actor’s enduring cultural impact, wartime service, and public honors. The measure is ceremonial, intended to encourage statewide recognition and reflection on Stewart’s legacy.

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

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