REFERENCE TITLE: Arizona America250 commission

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

SB 1497

Introduced by

Senator Leach

AN ACT

Establishing the Arizona America250 commission.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Arizona America250 commission; membership; duties; report; delayed repeal

A. The Arizona America250 commission is established to plan, develop, encourage and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of the citizens of this state on the nation's past, present and future.

B. The commission consists of:

1. One member of the senate who is appointed by the president of the senate.

2. One member of the house of representatives who is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

3. The following members who are appointed by the governor:

(a) One member who represents the historic preservation community.

(b) One member who represents the tourism industry.

(c) One member who represents the veterans community.

(d) One member who represents the parks and recreation industry.

(e) One member who represents the arts community.

(f) One member who represents a recognized Indian tribe in this state.

(g) One member who represents the education community.

(h) One member who represents the business community.

(i) One member from a fraternal organization.

C. Members of the commission:

1. Shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the members of the commission.

2. Shall serve for the life of the commission, unless the term of a public official expires before the end of the commission creating a vacancy.  All vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as prescribed in subsection B of this section.

3. May not be removed from the commission, except for incompetence or inefficiency.

4. Are not eligible to receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses.

D. The commission shall meet on the call of the chairperson. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

E. The commission shall:

1. Plan, coordinate and implement an overall program to build public awareness of and foster public participation in celebrating and commemorating the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the independence and founding of the United States.

2. Coordinate with federal, state and local agencies and private organizations on projects and programs to welcome and encourage national and international tourists.

3. Consider any related plans and programs developed by federal, state, local or private groups.

4. On or before December 31, 2026, conduct extensive public engagement throughout this state to develop programs with other agencies, communities or organizations that may take place to mark the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States.

5. Draw attention to the achievements, honors, innovations and significance of the people in this state since before the founding of this state to the present day and showcase all the counties in this state.

6. Designate special committees with representatives from stakeholder groups to plan, develop and coordinate activities.

7. Recommend ways for this state to commemorate the two hundred fiftieth 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 department of education, other relevant state agencies and community colleges and universities of this state.

8. 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.

9. Celebrate and commemorate events and activities throughout this state.

F. On or before December 31 of each year, the commission shall submit to the governor and the legislature a report of the activities of the commission, the outputs and outcomes achieved and whether those achievements meet the commission's plan and overall program.

G. This section is repealed from and after September 30, 2026.