DAY OF THE BIBLE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Brad Halbrook and 3 co-sponsors

Designates September 12, 2025 as The Day of the Bible in Illinois and encourages observances of educational and cultural programs recognizing the Bible’s influence.

Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Adam M. Niemerg

Summary — H.R. 474 (titled “Day of the Bible”) — Resolution (introduced Jan 16, 2025)

Note: The available bill text appears to include two distinct ceremonial resolutions (one congratulating Toombs County High School’s 2024 football championship and a separate resolution declaring a “Day of the Bible” for Illinois). The metadata and sponsor list also mix federal and state legislators. This summary treats both texts and highlights the likely intended substantive measure: an Illinois “Day of the Bible” resolution.

Purpose / Intent

Primary intent (per the “Day of the Bible” text): To designate September 12, 2025, as “The Day of the Bible” in the State of Illinois and encourage schools, civic institutions, churches, and community organizations to observe the day with educational, historical, and cultural programs recognizing the Bible’s historical and cultural influence.

Secondary/alternate text: A separate congratulatory resolution honoring Toombs County High School’s football team for winning the 2024 GHSA Class A Division 1 State Football Championship (13–1 record; championship win 38–18 over Northeast High School).

Key provisions

Day of the Bible resolution:

Declares September 12, 2025, as “The Day of the Bible” in Illinois.
Recites historical background (reference to the 1782 “Aitken Bible” / “Bible of the Revolution”), cites examples of influential leaders who drew on Scripture, and states that Bible principles have influenced laws, charities, and civic life.
Encourages educational, historical, and cultural observances statewide.

Toombs County congratulatory resolution:

Formally congratulates the Toombs County High School football team on its 2024 state championship.
Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare an appropriate copy for distribution to the team.

Who would be affected / impacted

Day of the Bible: Primarily ceremonial — schools, churches, civic organizations, and the general public are encouraged (not required) to observe the date. No regulatory, funding, or legal mandates are created.

Toombs County resolution: Honors a specific high school team; purely ceremonial with no legal effects.

Procedural / timeline highlights

Introduced: January 16, 2025.

Actions recorded (mixed chronology): referred to House Committee on Natural Resources (1/16/2025); placed and adopted on various House calendars; reported enrolled and adopted on 3/31/2025. Later entries show additions of chief co-sponsors (Chris Miller, Blaine Wilhour, Adam M. Niemerg) on 10/30/2025 and referral to Rules Committee on 10/14/2025.

Sponsor list in the provided materials mixes state and federal names (e.g., Brad Halbrook, Leesa Hagan, David Rouzer, Joe Neguse). A companion bill is listed as S. 107.

Legal effect / considerations

This is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution. It does not change law, appropriate funds, or create enforceable obligations. Its primary effect is symbolic recognition and encouragement of observance.

Because the provided text and metadata mix materials from different jurisdictions and include duplicate/overlapping content, consult the official legislative records (Illinois General Assembly or relevant chamber clerk) to confirm the current authoritative text, sponsor list, and final status.