Joint resolution acknowledging that Christ is King

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lukas Schubert

HJ 22 would issue a symbolic, non-binding declaration that Christ is King; no enforceable duties, but it could affect church-state perception, and it died May 20, 2025.

(H) Died in Process

#religion

Purpose / Intent

HJ 22 is a joint resolution whose title indicates its primary purpose is to formally acknowledge or declare that “Christ is King.” As a joint resolution (rather than a statute creating enforceable duties), the measure appears intended as a symbolic or declaratory statement of the legislature’s view or recognition concerning a religious claim.

Note: The text of the resolution is not included in the materials provided. The description and impacts below are based on the bill title, classification, and legislative history.

Key provisions (as inferred)

A formal legislative statement affirming that “Christ is King” (specific wording, any accompanying findings, or directives are not provided).

No information provided that the resolution would create new statutes, appropriations, regulatory requirements, or penalties.

Because it is a resolution of acknowledgment, it likely would have been non-binding and symbolic in nature unless the full text included any operative directives (none are available here).

Who would be affected

General public: the resolution would primarily be a public statement of the legislature’s position.

Religious communities: Christian communities may view the measure as an official recognition or endorsement.

Government entities: if the resolution remained purely symbolic, it would not impose new administrative duties; however, any implementation beyond a statement could raise administrative or legal considerations.

Other faiths and secular groups: could be affected in terms of perception of governmental endorsement of a particular religion.

Potential legal and public-policy implications

Symbolic resolutions typically have no direct legal effect, but a formal statement recognizing a specific religious claim can raise concerns about government endorsement of religion under constitutional provisions (e.g., separation of church and state) depending on jurisdiction and any subsequent government actions tied to the resolution.

Potential for public debate or litigation if the resolution were used to justify policies favoring a particular religion.

Legislative timeline / procedural history

2025-01-18: Legislative counsel drafter assigned

2025-01-23: Referred to Joint Committee on Environment (initial referral)

Feb 2025: Drafting and legal review steps completed (Feb 20–24); draft delivered Feb/Mar

2025-03-06: Introduced (House)

2025-03-07: Referred to House Judiciary Committee

2025-03-17: First reading

2025-03-19: Judiciary Committee hearing

2025-03-27: Tabled in Judiciary Committee

2025-04-04: Taken from Committee; placed on 2nd reading (House Judiciary)

2025-04-07: Missed deadline for revenue bill transmittal (procedural notation)

2025-05-20: Died in Process (bill did not advance further)

Current status and next steps

HJ 22 died in the legislative process on May 20, 2025. A related filing, LC 4329, is noted as a replacement; stakeholders interested in this policy idea should review LC 4329 (or subsequent filings) for any renewed effort or revised language. If the full text of HJ 22 is required for deeper analysis, obtaining the resolution language would allow a more specific assessment of legal effects and wording.

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