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SJR 34

Memorials, Retirement - Mary Nell Bryan -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Ceremonial Illinois resolution recognizing POW/MIA Recognition Day, honoring prisoners and MIAs, urging remembrance and education, and supporting ongoing accounting efforts.

Re-refer to Senate Calendar Committee
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Bill Summary · SJR 34

Summary — SJR 34 (2025): POW/MIA Recognition Day

Purpose

SJR 34 is a joint resolution recognizing and encouraging observance of POW/MIA Recognition Day in Illinois. It honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were prisoners of war (POWs) or remain missing in action (MIAs), affirms the State’s commitment to accounting for missing service members, and encourages public remembrance and education. The resolution calls for recognition of the day on the third Friday in September — specifically naming September 19, 2025.

Key provisions and language

  • Reaffirms gratitude to POWs and MIAs and acknowledges the sacrifices of their families.
  • Notes the nationwide tradition of observing POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday of September.
  • References Public Act 90-0752 (1998), which established the permanent yearly observance of POW/MIA Recognition Day in Illinois.
  • Encourages the people, elected officials, and institutions of Illinois to recognize and honor POWs and MIAs on POW/MIA Recognition Day (specified as September 19, 2025).
  • The resolution is ceremonial and declarative in nature — it does not create new rights, duties, or appropriations.

Who is affected

  • Primarily symbolic: veterans, families of POWs/MIAs, veterans’ organizations, and communities that conduct commemorative events.
  • State and local governmental bodies, schools, and civic organizations may use the resolution to justify events, educational programs, or public remembrances.
  • No direct fiscal impact or regulatory changes for private parties or agencies.

Legislative timeline & status

  • Introduced in the Illinois Senate: January 13, 2025.
  • Senate passage and actions: Read and passed in March 2025; reported engrossed March 11, 2025.
  • House consideration: Referred to committees and amended; House passage as amended reported May 14, 2025.
  • Final concurrence and signatures: Senate and House concurrence and signatures recorded May 20–21, 2025; filed with the Secretary of State May 21, 2025.
  • Additional entry: Resolution adoption noted October 29, 2025.
  • Sponsors: Sen. Hughes and Sen. Cristina Castro (primaries).
  • Companion bill: HJR 112.

Notes

  • As a joint resolution, SJR 34 is primarily ceremonial and intended to promote public recognition and support for continued efforts to locate and repatriate missing service members. It does not amend statutory law or appropriate funds.

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

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