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AB 795

California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Gonzalez

Creates a temporary California commission to plan and coordinate educational programs, events, and exhibits for the 2026 semiquincentennial, funded mainly by private/federal source

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 795

AB 795 — California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial

Author: Jeff Gonzalez | Introduced: Feb 18, 2025 | Status: In committee — Held under submission (as of May 23, 2025)
Classification: Bill; appropriation | Subject: Establishes a state semiquincentennial commission

Purpose / Intent

AB 795 would create a temporary state-level commission to plan and coordinate California’s observances of the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial”) of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The bill emphasizes maximizing private support, minimizing impact on the General Fund, and promoting educational programs, community events, and public exhibits that reflect California’s diverse history.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial (Chapter 7.5, Government Code, §§6750–6755).
  • Duration: the commission exists until January 1, 2029; records (excluding private possessions) must be deposited with the State Archives by December 31, 2028.
  • Membership (16 total):
    • State Archivist (chair)
    • 2 Assembly members (appointed by Speaker)
    • 2 Senators (appointed by Senate Rules)
    • 2 public members with historical/cultural programming experience (appointed by Governor)
    • 2 public members representing private-sector sponsors (appointed by State Archivist)
    • 2 public members representing California nonprofits/community groups (appointed by Speaker and Senate Rules, respectively)
    • 5 members appointed by majority vote of the above appointees, tasked primarily with fundraising
  • Members serve without compensation; travel/necessary expense reimbursements permitted if funded by private donations.
  • Duties include: developing/promoting educational programs, community events, public exhibits; facilitating partnerships with private entities, nonprofits, and local governments; seeking private and federal funding; submitting annual reports to the Legislature; and maintaining an online portal for transparency and public participation.

Funding, oversight, and limits

  • Creates the Semiquincentennial Fund in the State Treasury to receive private contributions and federal grants; the Treasurer holds the fund.
  • The Treasurer and Controller jointly oversee fund management and transparency compliance.
  • The commission may not transact business or exercise powers until the Treasurer/Controller certifies sufficient funds are available to support activities without state financial resources.
  • If the Treasurer/Controller determines by February 1, 2026, that sufficient funds are not available, the commission must be dissolved and remaining funds returned to contributors on a pro rata basis (procedures to be developed by Controller in consultation with Treasurer). Because the bill authorizes returning funds, it makes an appropriation.

Who is affected / potential impact

  • Affected parties: State Archivist’s office, State Treasurer and Controller, legislative appointees, private donors/sponsors, nonprofits, local governments, schools, and cultural organizations.
  • Expected fiscal impact: Designed to avoid direct General Fund expenditures through reliance on private/federal funds; however, the bill triggers appropriation/fiscal committee review because it authorizes returning funds under certain conditions.
  • Practical effect: Enables coordinated statewide programming for the 2026 semiquincentennial if private/federal funding is secured; imposes timelines and safeguards to prevent state-funded obligations.

Legislative timeline / actions (selected)

  • Feb 18, 2025: Read first time; to print.
  • Mar–Apr 2025: Referred and amended in Governmental Organization Committee; re-referred to Appropriations (suspense file).
  • May 23, 2025: In committee — Held under submission.

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

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