Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: HCR022 – America250 Volunteerism & Celebration Resolution
Bill Summary
House Concurrent Resolution No. 22 declares 2026 as the Year of Volunteerism and the America250 in Idaho Service Challenge to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. The resolution recognizes “Forever Idaho” as the official theme song for the America250 in Idaho ambassadors and the Revolutionary Spuds mascots, which are potato-themed characters created to make American history engaging for Idaho residents. The resolution challenges Idahoans to collectively perform 250,000 acts of service between January and July 4, 2026.
The resolution encourages all Idahoans to sign Idaho’s replica of the Declaration of Independence displayed in the capitol rotunda as a demonstration of patriotism. It emphasizes promoting awareness of founding principles including representative government, personal responsibility, individual liberty, and equal and inalienable rights. The resolution is ceremonial in nature, establishing no new programs, appropriations, or binding legal requirements.
Overall Assessment
This ceremonial resolution receives a total score of +1, reflecting minimal alignment with the evaluated policy metrics. The resolution’s primary impact is a modest positive contribution to citizen involvement in government through its encouragement of civic participation, volunteerism, and engagement with founding principles. The resolution does not address substantive policy areas such as fiscal responsibility, education reform, agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, or other governance matters. As a symbolic declaration commemorating America’s 250th birthday, it focuses on community engagement and patriotic celebration rather than legislative policy changes.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
This resolution contains no provisions related to fiscal responsibility, taxation, government spending, or structural reforms. It is purely ceremonial, declaring 2026 as the Year of Volunteerism without appropriating funds or modifying government operations. The resolution does not address balanced budgets, congressional reform, sound currency, or any other aspects of responsible governance outlined in this metric.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (1)
The resolution actively promotes citizen involvement by inviting "all Idahoans to promote an awareness and understanding of the principles contained in the nation's founding documents, including representative government, personal responsibility, individual liberty, and equal and inalienable rights" (lines 8-11). It challenges Idahoans to perform 250,000 acts of service and encourages signing the Declaration of Independence replica, fostering civic engagement and community participation. While the resolution does not establish formal mechanisms for citizen participation in government decision-making, it meaningfully encourages civic awareness and volunteerism.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
While the resolution mentions efforts to "engage families and students" (line 18) and make history "fun, approachable, and unforgettable for Idahoans of all ages" (lines 23-24), it does not establish educational policies, curriculum standards, or funding mechanisms. The resolution does not address parental rights, school choice, educational accountability, or any substantive education policy matters. References to educational engagement are incidental to the ceremonial purpose rather than policy directives.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The resolution makes no substantive reference to agriculture, farming, ranching, or agricultural policy. While it mentions "Spuddy Buddy, the official mascot of the Idaho Potato Commission" (lines 20-21) and Revolutionary Spud characters, these are purely promotional mascots for the America250 celebration. The resolution does not address agricultural education, markets, water for agriculture, family farms, or any policy matters affecting Idaho's agricultural sector.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The resolution contains no provisions related to water rights, water management, inter-basin transfers, or water policy. It does not reference prior appropriation, federal jurisdiction over water, dams, rivers, or any aspect of Idaho's water resources. The resolution is entirely focused on commemorative activities for America's 250th birthday.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
While the theme song "Forever Idaho" celebrates "Idaho's breathtaking landscapes" (lines 34-35), this is purely descriptive language within a ceremonial context. The resolution does not address natural resource management, environmental stewardship, federal land policies, wilderness designations, forest health, or any substantive environmental policy matters. No provisions relate to multiple use principles or natural resource development.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The resolution makes no mention of energy independence, energy resources, hydroelectric power, petroleum, nuclear energy, or electrical rates. It contains no provisions related to energy policy, development, or regulation. The resolution's focus on volunteerism and patriotic celebration does not intersect with energy matters.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The resolution does not reference Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, energy research, or technology development. It contains no provisions supporting INL's mission, nuclear power development, or research and development programs. The resolution is unrelated to scientific or technological advancement.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The resolution does not address private property rights, eminent domain, just compensation, regulatory takings, or property development. It contains no language regarding the Fifth Amendment, property owner rights, or limitations on government interference with private property. The resolution's ceremonial nature does not intersect with property rights issues.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The resolution contains no provisions related to state or federal land management, transfer of federal lands to state control, or land administration policies. It does not address federal land ownership, multiple use management, or state sovereignty over lands. The resolution does not engage with land management issues.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The resolution makes no reference to wildlife, fish and game management, hunting, fishing, predator control, or endangered species. It does not address the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, federal wildlife designations, or state authority over wildlife management. The resolution is unrelated to wildlife policy.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While the resolution encourages volunteerism and community service, it does not address economic policy, commerce, industry, small business development, labor regulations, or transportation infrastructure. It contains no provisions related to balanced budgets, fiscal responsibility, tax policy, or economic growth strategies. The voluntary service challenge does not constitute economic policy.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The resolution does not address healthcare policy, health insurance, patient rights, welfare programs, or medical decision-making. It contains no provisions related to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion, health savings accounts, or conscience protections for healthcare providers. The resolution is unrelated to health and welfare policy matters.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
While the resolution mentions "engage families and students" (line 18) and references "future generations" (line 15), it does not establish family policy, address parental authority, define marriage, or protect the right to life. The incidental references to families are within the context of community engagement rather than substantive family policy. The resolution does not address traditional family values, parental rights in education, or children's welfare policies.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The resolution mentions "our wisest seniors" (line 40) in the context of inviting all generations to participate in the service challenge, but this is purely inclusive language. It does not address policies affecting older Americans, retirement security, Social Security, Medicare, senior services, or employment opportunities for seniors. The resolution contains no substantive provisions related to older Americans' welfare or rights.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
The resolution does not address Second Amendment rights, criminal justice, drug policy, incarceration, juvenile justice, or law enforcement. It contains no provisions related to the death penalty, mandatory sentencing, border security enforcement, or state sovereignty in criminal matters. The resolution is unrelated to law and order issues.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
Despite the patriotic theme of commemorating America's founding, the resolution does not address national defense, military policy, veterans' affairs, or border security. It contains no provisions related to military strength, missile defense, National Guard deployment, or securing borders against illegal immigration. The resolution's focus on historical celebration does not extend to defense policy.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The resolution does not address judicial selection, election of judges, constitutional interpretation, or judicial philosophy. It contains no provisions related to textualism, originalism, or the structure of Idaho's judiciary. The resolution is unrelated to judicial matters.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
While the resolution promotes awareness of "individual liberty, and equal and inalienable rights" (lines 10-11) as founding principles, it does not specifically address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or religious liberty protections. The resolution contains no provisions related to Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, conscience protections, or limitations on government interference with religious practice. The general reference to liberty does not constitute substantive religious liberty policy.