HR999: HR999 Georgia citizens, cities, and counties; remember and honor the sacredness of America's 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026; urge

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' wish that Georgia citizens, cities, and counties recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which falls on July 4, 2026. The resolution recounts the history of the Declaration, including the three Georgia signers Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton, and calls on Georgians to study the Declaration's principles, honor the founders, take part in civic education, and strengthen community bonds through shared celebration. It also encourages cities and counties to organize commemorative events, historical displays, and educational programs. Finally, it directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

• Urges Georgia citizens, cities, and counties to recognize and honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
• Encourages Georgians to study the Declaration's principles, honor the nation's founders, and take part in civic education and democratic participation.
• Encourages municipalities and counties to organize commemorative events, historical displays, and educational programs around the anniversary.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.

Georgia citizens generally, along with city and county governments, which are encouraged to organize commemorative events and educational programs; the resolution imposes no legal duties on anyone.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it creates no new rules, funding, or penalties. Its practical effect is limited to encouraging local governments and residents to hold or support Fourth of July anniversary events and educational programming in 2026.

• The preamble recounts the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the roles of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Georgia signers Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton.
• The first resolving clause urges Georgia citizens, cities, and counties to honor the anniversary through commemorative activities, education, and celebrations.
• The second resolving clause encourages Georgians to study the Declaration's principles and engage in civic education and community building.
• The third resolving clause encourages municipalities and counties to organize commemorative events, displays, and educational programs.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

1. 2026-02-12House Passed/Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-12House Third Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-05House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
4. 2026-01-14House Second Readers (House)
5. 2026-01-13House First Readers (House)
6. 2026-01-12House Hopper (House)

• Brent Cox (R, HD-028)Primary sponsor
• Rick Jasperse (R, HD-011)
• James Hatchett (R, HD-155)
• Bill Fincher (R, HD-023)
• Carter Barrett (R, HD-024)
• Lauren McDonald (R, HD-026)

1. PassedHouse voteFebruary 12, 2026

   160 yea, 0 nay (3 not voting, 12 absent)

   Adopt: House Vote #507

• Declaration of Independence
• 250th anniversary
• civic education
• commemorative resolution
• Georgia history