Civil Rights Memorial Day; designate the last Monday of April as.
Impact
The impact of this bill on state laws will be the integration of Civil Rights Memorial Day into the list of legal holidays recognized in Mississippi. Currently, the last Monday of April is designated for dual observance of both Confederate Memorial Day and Civil Rights Memorial Day. This bill, if passed, would emphasize the importance of civil rights by ensuring this day is honored within the state’s recognized legal holidays, potentially fostering a greater historical appreciation among residents and visitors alike.
Summary
House Bill 391 proposes an amendment to Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, designating the last Monday of April as Civil Rights Memorial Day. This change aims to recognize and commemorate the significant contributions and struggles within the civil rights movement in Mississippi and across the United States. The bill seeks to promote awareness and respect for civil rights, embedding this memorial day into the state's legal holiday structure alongside existing observances like Confederate Memorial Day.
Contention
Although no specific points of contention were highlighted in the discussions or voting records for HB391, similar proposals in the past have often faced opposition from those who may view the commemoration as conflicting with existing observances or as politically sensitive. Growing debates over how historical figures and events are memorialized in public spaces could also frame potential discussions surrounding this bill as it moves through the legislative process.