SB277 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Vivian Davis FiguresSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

State holidays, Robert E. Lee Day observed on second Monday in October, Sec. 1-3-8 am'd.

Summary

The bill would move Robert E. Lee Day from the third Monday in January to the second Monday in October.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 1-3-8 of the Alabama Code to change the date for Robert E. Lee Day. It keeps the overall holiday framework, including rules about observing holidays if they fall on Sundays or Saturdays. It adds that Mardi Gras would be a holiday in Mobile and Baldwin Counties and authorizes Rosa Parks Day on December 1 with optional local observance by counties or municipalities. It also creates a new personal leave day for most state employees on January 1 each year (with scheduling, carryover, and pay-if-unused rules) and allows compensatory leave or pay for employees who work on holidays.

Who It Affects

• State employees (excluding those in Baldwin and Mobile Counties) would receive one personal leave day per year on January 1, with scheduling requirements and pay if not taken, plus rules for compensatory leave when working on holidays.
• State offices, banks, public schools, and local governments would be affected by holiday observance rules, including closures on holidays, bank-closure provisions, and the optional local observance of Rosa Parks Day and Mardi Gras in specified counties.

Key Provisions

• Robert E. Lee Day would be observed on the second Monday in October (instead of the third Monday in January).
• Columbus Day and Fraternal Day would be observed on the second Monday in October.
• Mardi Gras would be deemed a holiday in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
• Rosa Parks Day would be designated on December 1, and counties and municipalities may elect to observe it as a holiday.
• All state employees except those in Baldwin and Mobile Counties would receive one personal leave day per year on January 1, with scheduling requirements and pay if not used; such days must be used by year-end.
• Employees working on a state holiday would receive compensatory leave or pay, with scheduling rules for compensatory leave and a carryover period of up to one year.
• Holidays observed on Sundays shift to the following Monday, and holidays on Saturdays shift to the preceding Friday; state offices may remain open on holidays with notice, and emergencies may trigger openings.
• The Superintendent of Banks may authorize state bank closures on National Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, and other governor-declared holidays, including Friday-to-Saturday adjustments and noon closings the day before Christmas or New Year’s if business days.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Holidays