Bill
SR 471
Two ceremonial resolutions: GA designates April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month, and IL memorializes Charles L. Sturgeon; both are symbolic with no legal or fiscal effects.
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: April 29, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Note on source material: The provided text appears to include two distinct resolutions combined in one document. One is a state Senate resolution recognizing April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month (language and sponsors consistent with Georgia Senate members). The other is a memorial resolution for Charles L. Sturgeon (language and internal reference to the One Hundred Fourth General Assembly indicate an Illinois Senate memorial). The summary below treats both items separately and notes procedural information included in the file. Verify the official legislative record of the relevant state legislature (Georgia Senate and Illinois Senate) for authoritative status and text.
Purpose and intent
- Officially recognizes April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month.
- Aims to acknowledge and honor the history, culture, heritage, and contributions of Arab Americans to U.S. and state life.
Key provisions
- Findings in the resolution enumerate Arab American contributions across medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture.
- Highlights values brought by Arab Americans: family, work ethic, dedication to education, religious diversity, entrepreneurial contributions, and desire for a peaceful, equal society.
- The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make appropriate copies available to the public and the press.
Who is affected / impact
- Primarily symbolic recognition benefiting Arab American communities and the broader public by raising awareness and encouraging public acknowledgment of contributions.
- No legal or fiscal effect; ceremonial and informational in nature.
Procedural notes
- Sponsors listed include multiple state senators (e.g., Sheikh Rahman, RaShaun Kemp, Derek Mallow, Kenya Wicks, Ed Harbison, Nikki Merritt, and others).
- The document indicates the resolution was “Read & adopted” (dates in the file: March–May 2025) and “Reported enrolled.” Confirm final status with the Georgia Senate record.
Purpose and intent
- Serves as a condolence/memorial resolution mourning the death of Charles L. Sturgeon of Kilbourne, Illinois, and extending sympathy to his family and friends.
Key provisions / contents
- Biographical details: born February 28, 1948 (Grantsburg, IN); served in the U.S. Navy; married Dana M. Morris July 29, 1972; career with the railroad; member of Kilbourne Community Church.
- Personal notes: loved antique cars, coin collecting, playing Rook, and a pet cat named “Cream Puff.”
- Survivors listed: son Chad (Audra) Sturgeon, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren (one expected), siblings, sister-in-law, and numerous extended family.
- Resolution expresses condolences and directs that a suitable copy be presented to his family.
Who is affected / impact
- Symbolic honor and public acknowledgment for the deceased and comfort for family, friends, and the local community.
- No legal or fiscal impact.
Procedural notes
- Text references the Illinois Senate and the One Hundred Fourth General Assembly.
- It states the family should be presented with a copy of the resolution as an expression of sympathy.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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