Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB963

Introduced
2/2/24  
Refer
2/2/24  

Caption

Legal holidays; designate June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day.

Impact

If enacted, HB963 will modify existing legal holiday designations within state law. Specifically, it adds Juneteenth Freedom Day to the list of recognized legal holidays, making June 19 a day of observance for state residents. This change aligns Mississippi with a growing trend across the United States to officially recognize Juneteenth as a significant cultural and historical event, thereby enhancing the state's acknowledgment of its history and the African-American experience.

Summary

House Bill 963 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 by designating June 19 as 'Juneteenth Freedom Day,' officially recognizing this date as a legal holiday. Juneteenth is a significant date in American history, marking the announcement of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The bill emphasizes education and achievement, intending to commemorate freedom and promote reflection on the African-American experience, which is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities.

Contention

While the bill's intent to honor a meaningful historical event is largely seen as positive, it may stir discussions regarding its implications for existing holidays and how the state commemorates its complex history. The introduction of Juneteenth as a holiday could be met with varying sentiments from community members and legislators, particularly concerning how it fits alongside other recognized holidays that may have different historical implications. As the recognition of Juneteenth continues to gain momentum nationally, local discussions may focus on its impact on state identity and education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2447

Legal holidays; designate June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day.

MS HB126

Juneteenth Freedom Day; designate June 19 as.

MS SB2182

Juneteenth Freedom Day; designate June 19 as.

MS SB2676

Legal holidays; remove Confederate Memorial Day and designate June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day.

MS HB221

Juneteenth; designate as a legal holiday in the State of Mississippi.

MS HB494

Juneteenth; designate as a legal holiday in the State of Mississippi.

MS HB1008

Juneteenth; designate as a state holiday.

MS HB1450

Juneteenth National Independence Day; designate as a legal holiday in the State of Mississippi.

MS HB180

Women's Veterans' Day; designate as a legal holiday in the State of Mississippi.

MS SB2677

Confederate Memorial Day; remove from list of legal holidays.

Similar Bills

MS HB434

Juneteenth Freedom Day; designate June 19 as.

MS SB2011

Days of commemoration; designate June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day.

MS SB2085

Juneteenth Freedom Day; designate June 19 as.

MS SB2090

Days of commemoration; designate June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day.

MS SB2182

Juneteenth Freedom Day; designate June 19 as.

MS HB471

Legal holidays; designate June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day.

MS HB352

Juneteenth National Independence Day; designate as a legal holiday in the State of Mississippi.

MS HB75

Juneteenth Freedom Day; designate June 19 as.