This resolution 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 of liberty and equality. It does not change any existing state law, but rather expresses the state Senate's support for celebrating this milestone and educating Americans about the country's history and achievements.
AI-generated summary
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
The amendment removes specific references to indigenous nations and civil rights advocates while reframing the resolution's language around "natural-born Americans," "ordered liberty," and "natural rights" instead of "democracy"—NARROWING the bill's focus from inclusive historical recognition to a more traditional founding-principles-centered commemoration of the 250th anniversary.
The amendment changed the bill's classification from "Senate Engrossed" to "Enrolled" and added signature lines and adoption information, reflecting that the Senate passed the resolution on January 15, 2026—this is a procedural finalization change with no substantive impact on the resolution's content recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Senate Adopt Resolution as amended Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 0. S.J. 51
Senate Motion to amend Passed, YEAS 18, NAYS 15. S.J. 50
Senate Motion to amend S.J. 50
First read in Senate and referral to committee waived pursuant to JR 6D-1 S.J. 34
Motion to amend
Adopt Resolution as amended