SUPPORTS-CIVIC PARTIC AT 250

104th Regular Session Introduced by Katie Stuart and 1 co-sponsor

The bill mobilizes Illinois to engage communities in inclusive civic education and dialogue around the nation’s 250th anniversary, preserving access to diverse histories.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR 717 (Session 104th, Illinois) — SUPPORTS-CIVIC PARTIC AT 250

Purpose and Intent

Recognizes the 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence, celebrated on July 4, 2026.

Emphasizes a balanced, inclusive examination of U.S. history—its founding ideals, progress, and ongoing challenges.

Aims to promote civic engagement, education, dialogue, and reflection within Illinois as part of commemorating this milestone.

Key Provisions and Changes

Declares that the Semiquincentennial offers an opportunity to reflect on America’s history, including its contradictions and the pursuit of liberty and equality.

Establishes Illinois-specific goals through the Illinois America 250 Commission to:

Promote inclusive public engagement related to the Sesquicentennial.
Support educational initiatives and civic participation.
Foster dialogue about the nation’s past, present, and future.

Encourages communities across Illinois (residents, cities, towns, suburbs, educational institutions, cultural organizations, civic groups, tourism bureaus, and businesses) to participate in activities that:

Examine shared history in an accessible and inclusive manner.
Promote understanding of democratic principles.
Inspire idea exchange about the milestone and strengthen civic life.

Supports efforts to bolster history, heritage, and cultural organizations responsible for preserving archives, museums, libraries, historic sites, and community collections in Illinois.

Emphasizes broad public access to diverse histories.
Aims to enhance education, research, and civic engagement for current and future generations.

Endorses expanding access to high-quality civics education to prepare individuals for thoughtful, constructive participation in democracy.

Includes education about the nation’s founding ideals and the diverse people and communities in Illinois who have contributed to realizing those ideals.

Who or What Would Be Affected

State agencies and commissions involved in the Illinois America 250 Commission.

Local governments, schools, cultural organizations, museums, libraries, archives, and historic sites across Illinois.

Educational institutions and civics education programs seeking to align with Sesquicentennial-related activities.

The general public in Illinois, with an emphasis on inclusive participation and access to historical resources.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Filed on March 9, 2026, and referred to the Rules Committee.

Subsequently assigned to the State Government Administration Committee.

The committee charged with considering adoption reported favorably on May 6, 2026 (009-000-000), indicating movement toward House adoption.

Co-sponsor: Rep. Chris Welch (added May 5, 2026).

Notable Details

The resolution frames the 250th anniversary as an occasion for reflection, education, and civic engagement rather than a celebratory event alone.

It explicitly calls for broad participation across sectors and for safeguarding accessibility to Illinois’ diverse historical resources.

This bill functions as a commemorative resolution that mobilizes public institutions and communities to engage with Illinois’ role in U.S. history, promote civics education, and enhance inclusive dialogue around foundational democratic principles during the national Semiquincentennial.