COMMEMORATES-AMERICA 250

104th Regular Session Introduced by Kimberly Du Buclet

Illinois commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration, honoring diverse groups and ongoing efforts toward a more inclusive, just Union.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Overview

Bill: HR 849

Session: 104th General Assembly, Illinois

Title: COMMEMERATES-AMERICA 250

Type: House Resolution

Purpose: Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (Semiquincentennial) and honor the individuals and movements that have advanced the nation's foundational ideals.

Main purpose and intent

Officially recognize and mark July 4, 2026, as the 250th anniversary (semquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence.

Acknowledge that while the founding ideals proclaiming equality and unalienable rights were not realized equally at the nation's founding, the United States has evolved through persistent efforts to live up to those promises.

Emphasize the role of grassroots movements, civil rights advocates, and diverse communities in expanding liberty and equality.

Express a commitment to continuing work toward a more inclusive and just Union, reflecting the diverse fabric of the American population.

Key provisions and changes

Formal resolution acknowledging:

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The historical gap between ideals (equality, rights) and past realities (race, gender, class, creed, slavery).
The resilience of the constitutional system and the impact of grassroots movements in promoting democratic ideals.

Recognition of contributions from a broad range of communities and movements, including:

Indigenous and Native Americans.
Abolitionist history and figures (e.g., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln).
Civil rights movements and voting rights achievements (15th, 19th, 26th Amendments; Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Women’s suffrage and ongoing gender equality efforts.
Immigrant communities, including Latino, Asian American, LGBTQ+ communities, and Americans with disabilities.

Statements honoring the ongoing work to form a more perfect Union and expand opportunity and justice.

Directs that copies of the resolution be delivered to relevant commissions.

Who or what would be affected

Illinois as a state recognizes and commemorates the national milestone.

The Illinois America 250 Commission and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission are acknowledged as recipients of suitable copies.

Broad impact on public messaging and commemorative activities within Illinois, encouraging education and discussion about the nation’s founding ideals and their advancement over time.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Filed by Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet; co-sponsored by the same representative.

Action history:

Referred to Rules Committee on May 6, 2026.
Previously filed with the Clerk on April 30, 2026.

As a resolution, it serves a ceremonial and commemorative purpose rather than introducing new law or funding.

Summary

HR 849 is a commemorative House Resolution in the Illinois General Assembly recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It highlights the nation’s imperfect history and the ongoing efforts by diverse groups to realize its founding ideals. The resolution honors historical movements and contemporary advocates across Indigenous, African American, immigrant, LGBTQ+, disability communities, and more, and commits Illinois to continued progress toward a more inclusive Union. It directs that copies be sent to the Illinois America 250 Commission and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.