HB115 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

HB115 designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Alabama and requires an annual Governor’s proclamation to honor it, promote observance, and allow schools to offer related instruction.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill adds Juneteenth National Freedom Day as a state holiday. The Governor would issue a yearly proclamation recognizing African-American contributions and promoting the observance. Public schools would be allowed to offer instruction and programs about Juneteenth. State offices would observe the holiday consistent with existing holiday provisions, typically closing.

Who It Affects

• State government and state employees: Juneteenth would be treated as a state holiday, leading to observation by closing state offices, with the Governor promoting and supporting observance.
• Public schools and educators: They would be allowed to provide instruction and programs about Juneteenth, expanding educational content related to the holiday.

Key Provisions

• Designates the third Saturday in June each year as Juneteenth National Freedom Day to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
• Requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring the observance and recognizing contributions of African-Americans to Alabama.
• Encourages the Governor to take actions to promote and encourage the observance of Juneteenth and allows public schools to offer instruction and programs regarding Juneteenth.
• Amends Section 1-3-8, Code of Alabama 1975, to reflect the new holiday designation, with the act becoming effective 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