HB26 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Holidays, Juneteenth National Freedom Day, commemorate the abolition of slavery, Sec. 1-3-8 am'd.

Summary

HB 26 would designate Juneteenth National Freedom Day as Alabama's official state holiday on the third Saturday in June, with a governor proclamation and classroom instruction about Juneteenth.

What This Bill Does

Designates the third Saturday in June each year as Juneteenth National Freedom Day to commemorate the end of slavery. Requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring the observance and recognizing African American contributions to Alabama. Encourages the Governor to take actions to promote the observance, and allows public schools to offer instruction and programs related to Juneteenth.

Who It Affects

• State government and state employees: state offices would close on Juneteenth as a state holiday.
• Public schools and students: may offer instruction and programs about Juneteenth (not required to close).
• African-American communities and Alabama residents: recognition of contributions and encouragement to observe Juneteenth.

Key Provisions

• Designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
• Requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring the observance and recognizing African-American contributions to Alabama.
• Encourages the Governor to take actions to promote and encourage the observance of Juneteenth.
• Allows public schools to offer instruction and programs regarding Juneteenth.
• Amends Section 1-3-8 to include Juneteenth among state holidays; state offices would close on this holiday.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Holidays