Committee hears first reading of HCR 9 recognizing Declaration of Independence semiquincentennial

Summary

The committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 9, which would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlight founding rights and ongoing efforts to expand civil rights; staff will follow up on a requested constitutional history clarification and the resolution was set aside.

The Senate State Affairs Committee held a first hearing April 14 on HCR 9, a resolution to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and to highlight founding rights and continued efforts to expand civil rights.

Cadence Conner, staff to Representative Ashley Kerrick, presented the resolution and said HCR 9 "works to celebrate and recognize the semi quincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the foundation of The United States." Conner said the measure highlights founding rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and recognizes historical expansions of rights, including the abolition of slavery and expansion of voting rights.

Committee members asked questions about constitutional history referenced in the resolution, including a question about the Fourteenth Amendment. Conner responded she could research the question and return with the representative's exact thoughts at a subsequent hearing.

The committee set HCR 9 aside for a further hearing.