A Concurrent Resolution establishing the Pennsylvania State Song Commission to study the history of the State song of the Commonwealth, solicit submissions for a new State song and recommend changes t . . .o the State song.
House Resolution 25 creates the Pennsylvania State Song Commission, a temporary study commission charged with reviewing the history of the Commonwealth’s current state song, gathering public input, and soliciting submissions for a possible new state song. The resolution directs the commission to consider whether the state song should be changed and to recommend one song or multiple songs to the General Assembly for possible adoption. It also references the prior 1990 act that made “Pennsylvania” the official state song and frames the effort as a way to better reflect the culture, history, spirit, and people of Pennsylvania.
The commission would be made up of legislative appointees, representatives from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the American Federation of Musicians, and two gubernatorial appointees from the public. It must meet within 60 days of adoption, meet at least quarterly, may add members or create subgroups, and must issue a final report within 12 months. Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, with those expenses split between the House and Senate and subject to advance approval by legislative leaders. The resolution is advisory only; any change to the state song would require later legislation.
The bill’s impact on state law is limited and procedural rather than substantive. It does not itself change the official state song or amend the underlying statute, but it establishes a commission to study the issue and make recommendations that could lead to future legislative action. If adopted, it would create a formal process for public participation and expert review around a possible revision of Pennsylvania’s official state song.
The general sentiment reflected in the bill’s progress appears largely favorable, with committee votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support in committee and a substantial majority on the House floor. The bill advanced through the House State Government Committee, the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee, and the Senate State Government Committee without recorded opposition in committee votes. The floor vote, however, shows that the proposal was not universally supported, indicating some disagreement over whether the Commonwealth should revisit its state song.
The main point of contention is whether Pennsylvania should replace or reconsider its current official state song at all. Supporters appear to view the commission as a way to modernize or better represent the Commonwealth’s identity through a broader public process, while opponents may object to spending state resources on a symbolic review or to changing a long-standing state tradition. The resolution’s nonbinding nature and its requirement for later enactment may also reflect an effort to make the proposal less controversial by limiting immediate legal consequences.
HR25 would create a temporary, advisory Pennsylvania State Song Commission and authorize it to study the current state song, solicit public submissions, and recommend possible changes. It would not by itself alter the Official State Song Act or change Pennsylvania law; any change to the official state song would still require a subsequent act of the General Assembly. The resolution also establishes membership, meeting requirements, reporting deadlines, and expense procedures for the commission.
Overall sentiment appears supportive, especially in committee, where votes were unanimous or near-unanimous and the measure advanced without recorded committee opposition. The House floor vote was more divided, showing that while the proposal had broad support, it also drew meaningful opposition. The discussion reflected in the bill text suggests a generally positive view of using a public commission to evaluate whether the state song should better reflect Pennsylvania’s culture and identity.
The central contention is whether the Commonwealth should revisit its official state song and potentially replace it. Supporters likely favor a public, expert-driven review process to consider a song that better represents Pennsylvania, while opponents may see the effort as unnecessary, symbolic, or an improper use of state resources. Another possible point of concern is the cost and administrative burden of the commission, though the resolution limits compensation and requires legislative approval of expenditures.