State Commemorative Dates Act (5 ILCS 490/)

Chapter 5 — General Provisions

Commemorative Dates

This text is maintained by the Legislative Reference Bureau for legislative drafting purposes and is NOT the official text of the Illinois Compiled Statutes; the only official copy is the printed copy maintained by the Secretary of State.

Sec. 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the State Commemorative Dates Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 2. Ronald Reagan Day

February 6th of each year is designated as Ronald Reagan Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 40th President of the United States of America who came from humble beginnings in Illinois and worked throughout his life serving the cause of freedom and advancing the public good.

(Source: P.A. 92-584, eff. 6-26-02.)

Sec. 3. Barack Obama Day

August 4th of each year is designated as Barack Obama Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities.

(Source: P.A. 100-37, eff. 1-1-18.)

Sec. 5. American History Month

The month of February of each year is designated as American History Month to be observed throughout the State as a month set apart to promote the study of American history.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 6. Arab American Heritage Month

The month of April of each year is designated as Arab American Heritage Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this State and to the various aspects of American society.

(Source: P.A. 100-1150, eff. 12-14-18.)

Sec. 7. Indigenous Peoples Day

The last Monday in September of each year is designated as Indigenous Peoples Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to recognize the contributions of indigenous peoples with suitable ceremony and fellowship designed to promote greater understanding and kinship between indigenous peoples and non-indigenous peoples of the State of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 100-119, eff. 8-18-17.)

Sec. 8. Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month

The month of April of each year is designated as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the many ways that Sikh Americans have influenced American history, achievement, culture, and innovation.

(Source: P.A. 101-208, eff. 1-1-20.)

Sec. 9. Republic of Ireland Day

April 18 of each year is designated as Republic of Ireland Day to be observed throughout the State as a day in recognition of the anniversary of April 18, 1949, the day in which the Republic of Ireland officially declared itself independent from Great Britain, in recognition of the Republic of Ireland and its people, and in recognition of the many Illinoisans of Irish descent who have made a lasting impact upon our State. Each year, within 10 days before Republic of Ireland Day, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the recognition of Republic of Ireland Day, and designate the official events that shall be held in honor of Republic of Ireland Day and the contributions of Illinoisans of Irish descent.

(Source: P.A. 102-701, eff. 4-19-22.)

Sec. 10. Arbor and Bird Day

The last Friday in April of each year is designated as Arbor and Bird Day to be observed throughout the State as a day for planting trees, shrubs, and vines about the homes and along the highways and about public grounds within this State and for holding appropriate exercises in the public schools and elsewhere to show the value of trees and birds and the necessity of their protection, thus contributing to the comforts and attractions of our State.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 11. Italian-American Heritage Month

The month of October of each year is designated as Italian-American Heritage Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the contributions and influence of Italians on American history, achievement, culture, and innovation.

(Source: P.A. 103-279, eff. 1-1-24.)

Sec. 12. Healthy Pet Month

The month of April of each year is designated as Healthy Pet Month to be observed throughout the State as a month in which all Illinois pet owners are encouraged to take time to review their pet's health needs and make arrangements with their veterinarians to have annual exams and evaluations performed to enhance and extend their pet's quality of life.

(Source: P.A. 101-244, eff. 1-1-20.)

Sec. 13. Monarch Month

The month of May of each year is designated as Monarch Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to honor the monarch butterfly, which is the official State insect of the State of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 100-1033, eff. 8-22-18.)

Sec. 15. Casimir Pulaski Holiday

The first Monday in March of each year is a holiday to be observed throughout the State and to be known as the birthday of Casimir Pulaski. Within 10 days before the first Monday in March of each year, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the holiday and designating the official events that shall be held in honor of the memory of Casimir Pulaski and his contribution to American independence.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 20. Chaplains Day

(a) Chaplains far from home in places scattered throughout the world give comfort and solace to Americans wherever they may be found; therefore, it is fitting and proper that America's and Illinois' Chaplains be officially recognized for their valuable and inspiring services.

(b) The first Sunday in May of each year is designated Chaplain's Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart in the honor and remembrance of Chaplains.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 25. Citizenship Day

The Governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the third Sunday in May to be designated as Citizenship Day to be observed throughout the State as a day for the purpose of holding appropriate ceremonies in the various communities of the State for the preparation as citizens of persons who during the last 12 months have reached the age of 18 years. The ceremonies shall emphasize the responsibilities attached to the rights and privileges of citizenship.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 30. Coal Miners Day

November 13th of each year is designated as Coal Miners Memorial Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart for appropriate ceremonies in honor and remembrance of the coal miners of Illinois who have given their lives while laboring in the mines for the welfare of their families and the prosperity of this State.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 31. Great Grandparents Day

The first Sunday after Labor Day of each year is designated as Great Grandparents Day to encourage the citizens of Illinois to honor and celebrate great grandparents throughout the State.

(Source: P.A. 93-731, eff. 1-1-05.)

Sec. 35. Columbus Day

The second Monday in October of each year shall be a holiday to be known as Christopher Columbus Day and to be observed throughout the State as a day to hold appropriate ceremonies and exercises in commemoration of the discoverer of the New World and his discovery of October 12, 1492.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 37. D.A.R.E. Day

The second Thursday in April of each year is designated as D.A.R.E. Day.

(Source: P.A. 97-206, eff. 7-28-11.)

Sec. 40. Fathers Day

The third Sunday in June of each year is designated as Fathers Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart in the honor and remembrance of Fathers.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 45. Flag Day

June 14, commonly known as Flag Day, is established as a day to be observed with fitting patriotic exercises in schools, colleges, universities, societies, clubs, and other organizations. On that day the Flag of the United States of America shall be appropriately displayed on all public buildings within the State of Illinois. It is also fitting that, as a symbol of the guarantee of the sanctity of the home, the flag be displayed from every home on that day and that, as a symbol of the guarantee of freedom of worship, public recognition be made in all places of worship on June 14th or on the Sunday preceding.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 50. Gold Star Days

(a) The Governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers' Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor and commemorate the mothers of men and women who gave their lives while serving with the armed forces of the United States in time of war or during a period of hostilities.

(b) The Governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the day before Gold Star Mothers' Day as Gold Star Family Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor and commemorate the families of men and women who gave their lives while serving with the armed forces of the United States in time of war or during a period of hostilities.

(Source: P.A. 99-803, eff. 8-15-16; 100-941, eff. 8-17-18.)

Sec. 55. Grandmothers Day

The second Sunday in October of each year is designated as Grandmothers Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart in the honor and remembrance of grandmothers.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 60. Lincoln's Birthday

The twelfth day of February of each year shall be a legal holiday to be known as Lincoln's Birthday to be observed as a day on which to hold appropriate exercises in commemoration of our illustrious President. When February twelfth shall fall on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be held and considered the holiday.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 63. Juneteenth National Freedom Day

(Text of Section from P.A. 102-14)

Sec. 63. Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The nineteenth day of June of each year is a holiday to be observed throughout the State and to be known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day to commemorate the abolition of slavery throughout the United States and its territories in 1865. Juneteenth National Freedom Day may be observed with suitable observances and exercises by civic groups and the public, and citizens of the State are urged to reflect on the suffering endured by early African-Americans and to celebrate the unique freedom and equality enjoyed by all State citizens today. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, when June nineteenth shall fall on a Saturday or Sunday, neither the preceding Friday nor the following Monday shall be held or considered as a paid holiday.

(Source: P.A. 102-14, eff. 1-1-22.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 102-334)

Sec. 63. Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The nineteenth day of June of each year is a holiday to be observed throughout the State and to be known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day to commemorate the abolition of slavery throughout the United States and its territories in 1865. Juneteenth National Freedom Day may be observed with suitable observances and exercises by civic groups and the public, and citizens of the State are urged to reflect on the suffering endured by early African-Americans and to celebrate the unique freedom and equality enjoyed by all State citizens today. When June nineteenth shall fall on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be held and considered the holiday.

(Source: P.A. 102-334, eff. 8-9-21.)

Sec. 65. Martin Luther King, Jr

Birthday. The third Monday in January of each year is a holiday to be observed throughout the State and to be known as the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Within 10 days before the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in each year the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the holiday and designating the official events that shall be held in honor of the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his contributions to this nation.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 67. Esther Golar Day

April 16 of each year is designated as Esther Golar Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to remember the accomplishments of State Representative Esther Golar, and to honor her legacy of public service.

(Source: P.A. 100-393, eff. 1-1-18.)

Sec. 70. Mothers Day

The second Sunday in May of each year is designated as Mothers Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart in the honor and remembrance of Mothers.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 71. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 7th of each year is designated as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart for appropriate ceremonies in honor and remembrance of the veterans who served so valiantly at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

(Source: P.A. 89-324, eff. 8-13-95.)

Sec. 75. Prairie Week

The third full week of September is designated as Illinois Prairie Week to be observed throughout the State as a week for holding appropriate events and observances in the public schools and elsewhere to demonstrate the value of preserving and reestablishing native Illinois prairies.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 80. Retired Teachers' Week

(a) The progress of this State, this nation, and in fact all civilization is due to the passing on of knowledge from one generation to the next. The burden of the transmittal and expansion of this body of knowledge has historically been borne by our teachers. The teachers of this State have tirelessly and selflessly taken on the noble and sacred trust of educating and training our children. The State of Illinois is proud to be the home of many teachers who have retired after spending most of their lives rendering this priceless service. The State of Illinois, in appreciation of this service, bestows upon the retired teachers of the State the recognition and honor they deserve.

(b) The fourth week of May of each year is designated as Retired Teachers' Week. The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating the fourth week of May as Retired Teachers' Week and calling upon public schools and citizens of the State to observe the occasion and honor the retired teachers of the State.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 83. Alzheimer's Awareness Month

The month of November of each year is designated as Alzheimer's Awareness Month to be observed throughout the State as a month set apart to promote advocacy activities and the study of Alzheimer's Disease and to honor those whose lives have been impacted by Alzheimer's. The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating November as Alzheimer's Awareness Month and calling upon the citizens of the State to promote awareness of Alzheimer's Disease.

(Source: P.A. 94-443, eff. 1-1-06.)

Sec. 85. Senior Citizens Day

The third Sunday in May of each year is designated as Senior Citizens Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor and remember senior citizens.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 86. September 11th Day of Remembrance

September 11th of each year is designated as September 11th Day of Remembrance to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart in honor and remembrance of the persons killed and injured in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(Source: P.A. 92-704, eff. 7-19-02.)

Sec. 88. Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

September of each year is designated as Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.

(Source: P.A. 95-44, eff. 8-10-07.)

Sec. 90. Veterans Day

The eleventh day of November of each year shall be a holiday to be known as Veterans Day and to be observed throughout the State as a day to hold appropriate exercises in commemoration of the victory of the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, the United States Marines, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Merchant Marines in all wars.

(Source: P.A. 96-92, eff. 7-27-09.)

Sec. 93. G.I. Bill of Rights Day

The 4th day of November of each year is designated as G.I. Bill of Rights Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day in recognition of the landmark legislation that provided benefits to World War II veterans, and would serve as the basis of future legislation to extend benefits to all who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

(Source: P.A. 100-817, eff. 1-1-19.)

Sec. 95. Viet Nam War Veterans Day

The 29th day of March of each year is designated a commemorative holiday to be known as Viet Nam War Veterans Day and to be observed throughout the State as a day in honor and remembrance of the men and women of this Nation who served so valiantly in the cause of freedom.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 100. Korean War Armistice Day

The 27th day of July of each year is designated Korean War Armistice Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor and remember the men and women of this State who served so valiantly in the cause of freedom.

(Source: P.A. 90-752, eff. 8-14-98.)

Sec. 105. POW/MIA Recognition Day

The third Friday of September in each year is designated as POW/MIA Recognition Day to be observed throughout the State as a day in honor and remembrance of the men and women of this State who were recognized as POWs or MIAs while serving with the armed forces of the United States in a time of war or during a period of hostilities.

(Source: P.A. 90-752, eff. 8-14-98.)

Sec. 107. Veterans Gardening Day

The first Saturday in May of each year is designated as Veterans Gardening Day to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart in the honor and remembrance of veterans and as celebrated with appropriate activities.

(Source: P.A. 102-385, eff. 1-1-22.)

Sec. 110. Day of Prayer in Illinois

The first Thursday in May of each year is designated as a Day of Prayer in Illinois, and the citizens of Illinois are urged to observe the day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance.

(Source: P.A. 91-320, eff. 7-29-99.)

Sec. 115. Jane Addams Day

December 10 of each year is designated as Jane Addams Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to remember her and teach about her great accomplishments, compassion, and social conscience.

(Source: P.A. 94-796, eff. 1-1-07.)

Sec. 120. Women's Heart Disease Awareness Month

February of each year is designated as Women's Heart Disease Awareness Month, to be observed throughout the State as a month to promote the awareness of women's heart disease.

(Source: P.A. 95-774, eff. 1-1-09.)

Sec. 125. Parkinson's Awareness Month

April of each year is designated as Parkinson's Awareness Month, to be observed throughout the State as a month to promote the awareness of Parkinson's disease.

(Source: P.A. 96-375, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Sec. 126. Volunteer Emergency Responder Appreciation Day

The third Thursday in May of each year is designated Volunteer Emergency Responder Appreciation Day in Illinois. Volunteer firefighters, rescue squads, divers, emergency medical technicians, and response teams sacrifice their time and lives for their communities with little or no compensation. Volunteer Emergency Responder Appreciation Day shall be observed throughout the State by the citizens of Illinois with civic remembrances of the sacrifices made on their behalf by the volunteer emergency responders of Illinois, especially the ultimate sacrifice given by those individuals who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

(Source: P.A. 97-1124, eff. 8-27-12.)

Sec. 127. Scott's Law Day

December 23 of each year is designated as Scott's Law Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists to slow down, change lanes away from a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, and proceed with due regard to safety and traffic conditions.

(Source: P.A. 99-146, eff. 1-1-16.)

Sec. 130. Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

The month of September of each year is designated as Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to be observed throughout the State as a month set apart to promote advocacy activities and the study of ovarian and prostate cancer and to honor those whose lives have been impacted by the disease. The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating September as Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and calling upon the citizens of the State to promote awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer.

(Source: P.A. 96-396, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Sec. 133. Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day

May 17th of each year is designated as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day. Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children, and DIPG is a highly aggressive brain tumor that affects roughly 300 children a year in the United States. DIPG Awareness Day is to be observed throughout the State as a day to encourage the people of Illinois to help increase public awareness of this particularly aggressive form of cancer affecting children.

(Source: P.A. 100-622, eff. 1-1-19.)

Sec. 135. Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month

September of each year is designated as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, to be observed throughout the State as a month to promote the awareness of brain aneurysm prevention and treatment.

(Source: P.A. 96-463, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Sec. 137. Autism Acceptance Week

The first full week of April of each year is designated as Autism Acceptance Week to be observed throughout the State as a week to promote the awareness and acceptance of autism and to encourage school districts, organizations, businesses, and local residents to support this week and participate in informed educational events planned to commemorate the occasion.

(Source: P.A. 102-588, eff. 1-1-22.)

Sec. 140. Children's Day (El Dia de los Ninos)

The second Sunday in June each year is a holiday to be known as Children's Day (El Dia de los Ninos). Children's Day is to be observed throughout the State as a day to recognize and acknowledge the lives of all children and to pledge our dedication to their future and ours.

(Source: P.A. 96-465, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Sec. 141. Preventing Lost Potential Day

September 19 of each year is designated as Preventing Lost Potential Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart to provide a new focus on the importance of and dedication to educate, encourage, protect, and develop our State's youth. The State of Illinois must push to allow all youth to experience life in the fullest, increasing exposure to positive community influences, and enhancing the development of a positive and confident approach to citizenship. This day shall serve as a continued symbol of the movement to make the State of Illinois the best place in the nation for youth.

(Source: P.A. 99-66, eff. 7-16-15.)

Sec. 145. Peace Officers Memorial Day; National Peace Officers Memorial Day

(a) The first Thursday in May of each year is designated Peace Officers Memorial Day in Illinois. Peace Officers Memorial Day shall be observed throughout the State by the citizens of Illinois with civic remembrances of the sacrifices made on their behalf by the peace officers of Illinois, especially the ultimate sacrifice given by those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

(b) May 15th of each year is recognized in Illinois as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, to be observed throughout the State in coordination with the citizens of the United States with respect and gratitude for the service to America given by peace officers across the nation.

(Source: P.A. 96-518, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Sec. 147. Illinois State Trooper Day

April 1st of each year is designated as Illinois State Trooper Day, a day to honor the dedicated men and women of the Illinois State Police. Illinois State Trooper Day shall be observed throughout the State by the citizens of Illinois with civic remembrances of the sacrifices made on their behalf by Illinois' finest, the Illinois State Troopers, especially the ultimate sacrifice given by those State Police Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

(Source: P.A. 100-300, eff. 8-24-17.)

Sec. 148. First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day

The third Friday in May of each year is designated as First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor firefighters, police officers, emergency medical dispatchers, and other first responders who have lost their lives due to and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health issues.

(Source: P.A. 102-1006, eff. 1-1-23.)

Sec. 150. Adlai Stevenson Day

February 5 of each year is designated as Adlai Stevenson Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to remember and honor the legacy of public service of Adlai Stevenson II (1900-1965), Governor of Illinois and United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

(Source: P.A. 96-559, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

Sec. 155. Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

March 25 of each year is designated as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, a day for the people of the State to commemorate and reflect upon the contributions of African American slaves to Illinois and to the United States, in concert with the United Nations' International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

(Source: P.A. 96-930, eff. 6-18-10; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

Sec. 160. Emancipation Proclamation Week

The first full week of January of each year is designated as Emancipation Proclamation Week, to be observed throughout the State as a week for holding appropriate educational and celebratory events and observances in the public schools and elsewhere to honor and remember the work of Abraham Lincoln and others in emancipating Americans from slavery and in leading to the end of slavery in America.

(Source: P.A. 96-1238, eff. 1-1-11; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

Sec. 165. Purple Heart Day

The 7th day of August of each year is designated Purple Heart Day to be observed as a day to honor and remember those who have been wounded or killed in battle.

(Source: P.A. 97-258, eff. 1-1-12.)

Sec. 170. Diabetes Awareness Day

November 14th of each year is designated as Diabetes Awareness Day to be observed throughout the State as a day for the people of Illinois to support efforts to decrease the prevalence of diabetes, develop better treatments, and work toward an eventual cure for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes through increased research, treatment, and prevention.

(Source: P.A. 97-819, eff. 7-17-12.)

Sec. 175. Mother Mary Ann Bickerdyke Day

The second Wednesday in May of each year is designated as Mother Mary Ann Bickerdyke Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor Mother Mary Ann Bickerdyke of Galesburg, military nurses, and the contribution of nurses to the State of Illinois and the United States of America.

(Source: P.A. 98-141, eff. 8-2-13; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

Sec. 180. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Month

The month of November in each year is designated as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Month to be observed throughout the State as a month for the people of Illinois to support efforts to decrease the prevalence of COPD, develop better treatments, and work toward an eventual cure through increased research, treatment, and prevention.

(Source: P.A. 98-220, eff. 8-9-13; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

Sec. 183. Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

The month of April of each year is designated as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, to be observed throughout the State as a month to promote the awareness of Sarcoidosis disease and treatment.

(Source: P.A. 102-132, eff. 1-1-22.)

Sec. 185. Eat Local, Buy Illinois Products Day

The first Saturday of each month is designated as Eat Local, Buy Illinois Products Day to promote local food initiatives and Illinois agribusiness and to encourage residents to re-invest in the local economy. The Department of Agriculture's Illinois Product Logo Program shall assist in increasing awareness and sales of Illinois food and agribusiness products.

(Source: P.A. 98-341, eff. 8-13-13; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

Sec. 187. Sweet Corn Appreciation Day

August 1 of each year is designated as Sweet Corn Appreciation Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to celebrate the importance of sweet corn to Illinois agriculture, and in recognition of family farmers.

(Source: P.A. 102-1068, eff. 1-1-23.)

Sec. 190. National Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week

The second full week of April of each year is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week, to be observed throughout the State as a week to honor the dedicated men and women who answer calls for help at 911 centers across the country. These call takers and dispatchers provide the first critical contact for those in need of emergency services. Telecommunicators access, monitor, and disseminate information of critical importance to the safety of public officials and success of public safety goals.

(Source: P.A. 99-808, eff. 1-1-17.)

Sec. 194. Illinois Constitution Day

August 26 of each year is designated as Illinois Constitution Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to commemorate August 26, 1818 as the day Illinois ratified its first State Constitution.

(Source: P.A. 102-447, eff. 1-1-22.)

Sec. 195. Illinois Statehood Day

December 3rd of each year is designated as Illinois Statehood Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to commemorate December 3, 1818 as the day Illinois became the 21st State to join the Union. Each year, within 10 days before Illinois Statehood Day, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the recognition of Statehood Day, and designate the official events that shall be held in honor of Illinois obtaining statehood on December 3, 1818.

(Source: P.A. 100-898, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

Sec. 196. Day of the Horse

The fifth day of March of each year shall be designated as the Day of the Horse, to be observed throughout the State as a day to encourage citizens to honor and celebrate the role of equines in the history and character of Illinois, and to recognize the benefits of the equine industry to the economy, agriculture, tourism, and quality of life in Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 100-1033, eff. 8-22-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

Sec. 200. Emmett Till Day

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 200. Emmett Till Day. July 25 of each year is designated as Emmett Till Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor and remember Emmett Till.

(Source: P.A. 104-579, eff. 1-1-27.)

Sec. 205. Prior law

(a) A provision of this Act that is the same or substantially the same as a prior law shall be construed as a continuation of the prior law and not as a new or different law.

(b) A citation in another Act to an Act or to a Section of an Act that is continued in this Act shall be construed to be a citation to that continued provision in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 210. Other Acts of the 87th General Assembly

If any other Act of the 87th General Assembly changes, adds, or repeals a provision of prior law that is continued in this Act, then that change, addition, or repeal in the other Act shall be construed together with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 215. Matters of form

(a) The parenthetic citation before a Section in the form "(from Ch. XX, par. XX)" (i) is an informational reference to the prior law from which the Section is derived and (ii) is not part of the text of the law.

(b) In the text of a Section, (i) matter that is stricken indicates a deletion from the prior law and (ii) matter that is underscored indicates an addition to the prior law.

(c) The parenthetic citation after a Section in the form "(Source: Laws 19XX, p. XX)" or "(Source: P.A. XX-XXX)" (i) is an informational reference to the most recent sources of the continued text in the Session Laws of Illinois and (ii) is not part of the text of the law.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 220. Home rule; mandates

Nothing in this Act as initially enacted (i) is a denial or limitation on home rule powers where no denial or limitation existed under prior law or (ii) creates a State mandate under the State Mandates Act where no mandate existed under prior law.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)

Sec. 225. Repeals

(a) The following Acts or parts of Acts are repealed:

The American History Month Act.

The Arbor and Bird Day Act.

The Casimir Pulaski Holiday Act.

The Columbus Holiday Act.

The Citizenship Day Act.

The Mothers Day and Fathers Day Act.

The Flag Day Act.

The Gold Star Mothers Day Act.

The Grandmothers Day Act.

The Lincoln Holiday Act.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Act.

The Senior Citizens Day Act.

The Veterans Day Act.

The Prairie Week Act.

The Retired Teachers Week Act.

The Coal Miners Memorial Day Act.

The Chaplains Day Act.

The Viet Nam War Veterans Act.

(b) The following Sections are repealed in subsection (a) without being continued in the State Commemorative Dates Act: Section 0.01 (short title) of the American History Month Act, Section 0.01 (short title) and Section 2 (repealer) of the Arbor and Bird Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Casimir Pulaski Holiday Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Columbus Holiday Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Mothers Day and Fathers Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Flag Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Gold Star Mothers Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Grandmothers Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Lincoln Holiday Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Senior Citizens Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) and Section 2 (duplicated by subsection (d) of Section 17 of the Promissory Note and Bank Holiday Act read in conjunction with Section 15 of that Act) of the Veterans Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) and Section 3 (effective date) of the Retired Teachers Week Act, Section 0.01 (short title) and Section 2 (effective date) of the Coal Miners Memorial Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Chaplains Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) of the Citizenship Day Act, Section 0.01 (short title) and Section 2 (effective date) of the Prairie Week Act, and Section 1 (short title), Section 9 (repealer), and Section 10 (effective date) of the Viet Nam War Veterans Act.

(Source: P.A. 87-272; 87-895.)

Sec. 230. Effective date

This Act takes effect upon becoming law.

(Source: P.A. 87-272.)