Girl Scouts Coin Legislation Introduced in Senate, S. 451

U.S. Senator Susan Collins introduced legislation Monday that would have the United States Mint issue commemorative silver dollars celebrating the centennial of the establishment of the Girl Scouts of USA.

Details are limited since the bill, S. 451, is not yet in the Government Printing Office (GPO) and no public comments appear to be have made by Sen. Collins, or the bills seven cosponsors.

However, it is extremely likely the text of the legislation is nearly, if not identical to the House version Rep. Jack Kingston introduced on Jan. 21. That bill, entitled Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 621, calls for up to 350,000 proof and uncirculated silver dollars in 2011.

Despite similar legislation that failed to muster its way through the previous 110th Congress, the likelihood of S. 451 or H.R. 621 passing seems high. The Senate and House have more time to consider the bill this year.

Plus, the odds were greatly improved when the Boy Scouts Centennial Commemorative Coin Act was signed into law in late 2008. How can you commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts and not do the same for the Girl Scouts?

S. 451 is currently before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

[Editor's update: The text of the legislation is now available at: S. 451: Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act]