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SR 3237

SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 4, 2026, AS RHODE ISLAND INDEPENDENCE DAY AND THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S HISTORIC ACT OF RENUNCIATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island commemorates May 4, 2026 as Independence Day marking the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Act of Renunciation and Rhode Island’s early push toward independence.

04/30/2026 Senate read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 3237

Summary of Bill SR 3237 (Rhode Island Senate, 2026)

Title

Senate Resolution commemorating May 4, 2026 as Rhode Island Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the General Assembly's Act of Renunciation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and celebrate May 4, 2026 as Rhode Island Independence Day.
  • Mark the 250th anniversary of the Rhode Island General Assembly’s historic Act of Renunciation (the 1776 act repealing allegiance to the British Crown).
  • Highlight Rhode Island’s historical contributions to the American Revolution and the early steps toward independence.

Key Provisions

  • Acknowledges historical events beginning with the burning of the HMS Gaspee (June 9, 1772) and Rhode Island’s role in revolutionary activities (1773–1774 Committees of Correspondence, militia actions in support of Boston during 1775, etc.).
  • Documents the May 4, 1776 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly at the Providence Colony House, during which the Act of Renunciation was approved—repealing prior allegiance to the English Crown.
  • Notes that Rhode Island’s Act of Renunciation was unique among the original thirteen colonies.
  • Recaps Rhode Island’s later relationship with the U.S. Constitution (initial hesitation to ratify, but eventual ratification in 1790) and notable Revolutionary figures (e.g., Nathanael Greene).
  • Sets May 4, 2026, as a commemorative date in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Act of Renunciation.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primarily symbolic and ceremonial impact.
  • Official state acknowledgment and historical recognition.
  • No direct substantive policy changes, budget allocations, or regulatory amendments are included in the text of the resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 30, 2026 by Senators Lawson and Zurier.
  • Referred to: Recommended for Immediate Consideration (a procedural note indicating priority for passage).
  • Effective date: As a resolution, it would take effect upon passage by the Senate and House and signature by the Governor, serving as an official state commemoration without imposing new duties on state agencies beyond ceremonial actions.
  • Documentation: Directs the Secretary of State to forward the resolution to the Governor and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation.

Notable Context

  • The resolution places emphasis on Rhode Island’s unique early actions on independence, including the 1776 Act of Renunciation as a foundational, commemorated event among the original colonies.
  • Aligns with broader historical narratives of Rhode Island’s resistance to royal authority and its role in the formation of the United States.

Overall, SR 3237 is a ceremonial acknowledgment designed to educate the public and honor Rhode Island’s historical milestones connected to independence and state governance.

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

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