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Bill

Bill

SR 280

A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 8 co-sponsors

Designates April 2026 as "Faith Month" to recognize and promote the role of faith communities in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations
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Bill Summary · SR 280

Summary of Bill SR 280 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution
  • Designation: Recommends designating April 2026 as “Faith Month” in Pennsylvania.
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Senate
  • Action History: Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations on April 17, 2026
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsors: Dave Argall, Cris Dush, Elder Vogel, Judy Ward, Kristin Phillips-Hill, Art Haywood, Tina Tartaglione

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution declares an intent to recognize and promote the observance of faith-based activities and the role of faith communities within the Commonwealth.
  • It aims to highlight the influence of religious faith on civic life, charitable works, moral discourse, and community service.

Key Provisions (What the Bill Would Do)

  • Designates April 2026 as “Faith Month”: The bill designates a specific month to acknowledge and celebrate faith traditions and their contributions to Pennsylvania society.
  • Advocacy and Awareness Goals: While a resolution typically lacks binding regulatory effect, it commonly serves to:
    • Encourage appreciation of faith-based organizations.
    • Promote dialogue about religious freedom, charitable service, and community engagement.
    • Encourage public participation in faith-related activities and events during the designated month.
  • Non-Binding Status: As a resolution, it does not create new laws, funding, or regulatory requirements. It expresses the sentiments and stance of the Pennsylvania Senate.

Who/What is Affected

  • Primary Audience: Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, faith communities, nonprofit and charitable organizations, and the general public.
  • Indirect Effects: May influence public recognition of faith groups, encourage related events, and foster discussions on the role of faith in public life during April 2026.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral: Referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee (April 17, 2026).
  • Next Steps: The committee typically reviews, may amend, and can advance the resolution to a vote by the full Senate. If adopted, the designation would be a formal expression of the Senate’s position for the year 2026 and would be commemorated or observed through appropriate ceremonial processes.

Notes for Readership

  • The bill does not impose mandates, authorize expenditures, or create new legal obligations. It serves as an official designation to recognize the role of faith communities within the Commonwealth.
  • The inclusion of multiple sponsors from both parties suggests cross-party support for acknowledging faith-based contributions to society.

If you would like, I can add context on how similar “Faith Month” designations have been used in other states or recent Pennsylvania resolutions to provide comparative background.

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

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