California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not specify that the commission can only start working once there is enough money in the fund. It states that the Treasurer/Controller must certify sufficient funds are available before the commission can transact any business.

California Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial

This law establishes a commission in California to plan and organize events celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, using only private money.

What This Bill Does

• Creates the California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial until January 1, 2029.
• The commission will make plans for educational programs, community events, and public exhibits to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
• Requires the commission to get all its money from private donations or federal grants, not state funds.
• Establishes a fund called the Semiquincentennial Fund to hold these contributions and grants.
• The commission can only start working once there is enough money in the fund.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who will celebrate American independence through events organized by the commission.
• Donors who give money to support the commission's activities.

Terms To Know

Semiquincentennial

A celebration of a 250-year anniversary

Pro rata basis

Returning money to donors based on the amount they originally gave

Limits and Unknowns

• The commission will only start working if there is enough private funding by February 1, 2026.
• If there isn't enough money, the commission won't be formed and any funds collected will be returned to donors.

Official Summary Text

AB 795, as amended, Jeff Gonzalez.
California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial.
Existing law establishes various commissions within state government, including the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, which is required to act as an information center on issues that affect the lives of women and girls. Existing law requires the Governor to proclaim various days as holidays and days of remembrance.
This bill would, until January 1, 2029, establish the California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial, with membership as prescribed, to plan and coordinate commemorations and observances of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. The bill would charge the commission with various responsibilities in this regard, including developing and promoting educational programs, community events, and public exhibits commemorating the semiquincentennial. The bill would
require that the commission operate as an independent advisory body supported entirely by private funding and in-kind contributions, and would establish the Semiquincentennial
Fund
Fund, held by the Treasurer,
to receive private contributions and federal grants, which the bill would make available for the commission’s activities upon appropriation. The bill would prohibit the commission from transacting any business or exercising its powers until the
Treasurer
Controller
has certified that there are sufficient funds in the Semiquincentennial Fund available to support the commission’s activities without requiring state financial
resources. If the
Treasurer
Controller
determines that sufficient funds are not available by February 1, 2026, the bill would require that the commission be dissolved and that any remaining funds in the Semiquincentennial Fund be returned to contributors on a pro rata
basis.
basis, as specified.
By authorizing the expenditure of these funds for return to contributors under certain circumstances, the bill would make an appropriation. The bill would require the records, files, and other memoranda of the commission, other than any private possessions, to be deposited and filed with the State Archives on or before December 31,
2028.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF