BILL ANALYSIS Ó ----------------------------------------------------------------- |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SR 36| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD READING Bill No: SR 36 Author: Morrell (R), Allen (D), Anderson (R), Bates (R), Berryhill (R), Cannella (R), Fuller (R), Gaines (R), Hall (D), Huff (R), Moorlach (R), Nguyen (R), Nielsen (R), Runner (R), Stone (R), Vidak (R), and Wieckowski (D) Introduced:6/15/15 Vote: 21 SUBJECT: 4th of July SOURCE: Author DIGEST: This resolution celebrates and recognizes the 4th of July, and the 239th anniversary of the birth of our great nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence that this day represents. ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings: 1)July 4, 2015, marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and by the adoption of that document - formally entitled, "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America" - the nation we today know as the United States of America officially came into being, an occasion forever memorialized by President Abraham Lincoln in the words of his Gettysburg Address as the time "... our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that SR 36 Page 2 all men are created equal." 2)The 4th of July is a day unlike any other - in the history of the United States of America, and indeed, the world - in that not only is it the day that an infant nation formally defied the most powerful empire on earth in a quest for freedom, liberty, and independence, but even more importantly because on that day this new nation declared as a "self-evident truth" - known and knowable to all persons at all times in all places throughout the world - the radical notion that "all men are created equal ... endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." 3)Since its adoption and bold pronouncement more than two centuries ago, the Declaration of Independence and the principles that animate that timeless document have inspired billions of persons around the world to pursue freedom in their own nations. 4)On this and every 4th of July, it is both proper and fitting that the institutions of California government, and indeed all Californians, express heartfelt gratitude and indebtedness to those men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, and in particular to those who have suffered the injuries of battle and who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting freedom and liberty around the world, recalling the words of President Abraham Lincoln that, as a result of their profound sacrifice, "... this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." This resolution: SR 36 Page 3 1)Celebrates and recognizes the 4th of July, and the 239th anniversary of the birth of our great nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence that this day represents. 2)Calls upon all the people of the great State of California, and the United States of America, to take the opportunity of the 4th of July holiday to obtain a greater knowledge and understanding of the facts and circumstances that compelled the 13 original colonies to declare their independence, and of the timeless principles of liberty, equality, and self-determination that rest at the heart of the Declaration of Independence. 3)Expresses heartfelt thanks, appreciation, and prayers to all who have served - and who currently serve - in the Armed Forces of the United States, in recognition of the countless sacrifices made and the indispensable role these brave men and women have played, even before the founding of our nation on July 4, 1776, in preserving, protecting, and defending the freedoms and liberties of all Americans, and expanding freedom throughout the world. Related/Prior Legislation HR 9 (Irwin, 2015) celebrates and recognizes the 4th of July. This resolution is pending in the Assembly. SR 36 Page 4 SR 52 (Morrell, 2014, Adopted by the Senate) recognized and celebrated July 4, 2014, and the 238th anniversary of the birth of our great nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.:NoLocal: No SUPPORT: (Verified6/17/15) None received OPPOSITION: (Verified6/17/15) None received Prepared by: Jonas Austin / SFA / (916) 651-1520 6/17/15 14:21:06 **** END ****