ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
Arizona America250 commission
Purpose
Establishes the Arizona America250 Commission (Commission) to plan, develop, encourage and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Background
Laws 2005, Chapter 1 and Laws 2007, Chapter 169 required the Historical Advisory Commission to develop and coordinate the statewide plan regarding Arizona's 2012 centennial. The Historical Advisory Commission was required to: 1) advise the Legislature on all state activities relating to Arizona's history and historic preservation; 2) recommend measures for how to coordinate or improve the effectiveness of activities relating to the interpretation, research, writing and teaching of Arizona's history, heritage and historic preservation, including the Indian nations' history, heritage and preservation; 3) advise the Legislature on how to disseminate the information relating to Arizona's history; 4) consult and cooperate with appropriate public and private agencies, the Indian nations and other persons; and 5) submit an annual report to the Director of the Historical Advisory Commission for inclusion which was included in the annual report to the State Library.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Establishes the 11-member Commission consisting of one member of the Senate who is appointed by the President of the Senate, one member of the House of Representatives who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and nine members who are appointed by the Governor, representing the following groups:
a) the historical preservation community;
b) the tourism industry;
c) the veteran's community;
d) the parks and recreation industry;
e) the arts community;
f) a recognized Arizona Indian tribe;
g) the education community;
h) the business community; and
i) a fraternal organization.
2. Requires the Commission to:
a) plan, coordinate and implement an overall program to build public awareness of and foster public participation in celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the independence and founding of the United States;
b) coordinate with the federal, state and local agencies and private organizations on projects and programs to welcome and encourage national and international tourists;
c) consider any related plans and programs developed by federal, state, local or private groups;
d) conduct, by December 31, 2026, extensive public engagement throughout Arizona to develop programs with other agencies, communities or organizations that may take place to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States founding;
e) draw attention to the achievements, honors, innovations and significance of the people in Arizona since before the founding of Arizona to present day and showcase all counties in Arizona;
f) designate special committees with representatives from stakeholder groups to plan, develop and coordinate activities;
g) recommend ways for Arizona to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence and founding of the United States through state and local legacy projects for counties and municipalities, including seeking ways to enhance educational programs, civic education and extended learning offered by the State Board of Education, the Arizona Department of Education, other relevant state agencies, community colleges and Arizona universities;
h) emphasize the service and sacrifices of veterans who have secured and preserved American independence and freedom and encourage citizens of this state to honor them; and
i) celebrate and commemorate events and activities throughout Arizona.
3. Requires, by December 31 of each year, the Commission to submit an annual report of the Commission's activities to the Governor and the Legislature.
4. Requires members of the Commission to:
a) elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the Commission; and
b) serve for the life of the Commission, unless the term of a public official expires before the end of the Commission creating a vacancy to be filled by either the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
5. Requires the Commission to meet on the call of a Chairperson.
6. Specifies that a quorum for a transaction of business is a majority of the members.
7. Prohibits the Commission members from being removed from the Commission except for incompetence or inefficiency.
8. Specifies that Commission members are not eligible to receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses.
9. Repeals the Commission on October 1, 2027.
10. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendment Adopted by Committee
Changes the Commission's repeal date from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2027.
Senate Action
GOV 2/7/22 DPA 5-2-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2022
MH/MF/slp