This is a ceremonial resolution that recognizes July 4, 2026, as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and encourages South Dakotans to reflect on the nation's founding principles and achievements. The resolution does not change any state laws—it is simply an official statement from the House of Representatives celebrating this milestone and calling for education and civic reflection during the anniversary year.
AI-generated summary
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
The amendment removes references to indigenous nations and civil rights advocates, replaces "democracy" with "natural rights" and "ordered liberty," and changes "republic" to "Constitutional Republic," shifting the resolution's focus away from inclusivity and historical struggles toward emphasizing foundational constitutional principles and natural rights. This NARROWS and REDIRECTS the bill from a broad celebration of diverse contributions to American freedom toward a more traditionalist constitutional framing.
This change converted the bill from a "House Engrossed" draft version to an "Enrolled" final version by removing the legislative tracking language and adding official signatures and adoption dates. The substantive content of the resolution—recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—remained unchanged; this is purely a formatting and procedural update reflecting that the bill has passed and been officially adopted.
House of Representatives Adopt Resolution as amended Passed, YEAS 62, NAYS 5. H.J. 35
House of Representatives Motion to amend H.J. 35
First read in House and referral to committee waived pursuant to JR 6D-1 H.J. 23
Prime sponsor · Rep.
D
Cosponsors
Adopt Resolution as amended