Illinois 2025-2026 Regular Session

Illinois House Bill HB1356

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

HOLIDAY DESIGNATION-CALENDARS

Impact

If enacted, HB1356 will directly influence local governance and the operational guidelines that local governments follow regarding the designation of holidays. Local units will no longer have the discretion to alter the names of federal or state holidays, limiting their authority and potentially reducing local reflection of community values or historical distinctions. This change could also standardize public understanding of holiday names, thereby reducing confusion among constituents regarding official days off and observances.

Summary

House Bill 1356 aims to amend the State Commemorative Dates Act in the state of Illinois by ensuring that the names of federal and state holidays listed on local government calendars adhere strictly to those designated by the state. This legislation seeks to create uniformity in how these holidays are recognized across various local jurisdictions, thereby restricting the ability of home rule units to make independent decisions regarding the naming of holidays. The bill highlights the importance of consistency in public recognition of holidays, which is especially pertinent in educational contexts where school calendars are involved.

Contention

The bill raises significant points of contention around the topic of home rule in Illinois, with critics arguing that it undermines the autonomy of local governments to respond to the specific cultural and historical contexts of their communities. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it is necessary to eliminate inconsistencies that may arise from varying local practices. This tension highlights an ongoing debate in state governance about the balance of power between state and local authorities, particularly in how public holidays are acknowledged and celebrated.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IL HB1200

SCH DIST-HOLIDAY DESIGNATION

IL SB3295

SCH CD-HOLIDAYS-EMPLOYEE

IL HB5009

SCH CD-HOLIDAYS-EMPLOYEE

IL SB2017

SCH CD-HOLIDAYS-EDUC SUPPORT

IL HB3987

HOLIDAY-INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

IL HB5576

STATE HOLIDAY- LUNAR NEW YEAR

IL HB1392

ELECTION DAY HOLIDAY

IL HB3419

HOLIDAY-1ST DAY OF RAMADAN

IL SB2567

HOLIDAY-1ST DAY OF RAMADAN

IL HB5447

USE/OCC TX-HOLIDAY

Similar Bills

IL HB1200

SCH DIST-HOLIDAY DESIGNATION

NJ A4904

Designates, as State and public holiday, September 11 as Patriot Day.

NJ A309

Designates, as State and public holiday, September 11 as Patriot Day.

NJ A1276

Designates Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha as State and public holidays.

CO SB139

Juneteenth New State Holiday

NJ A5837

Establishes Vaisakhi and Bandi Chhor Divas as public holidays in this State.

NJ A1217

Establishes Vaisakhi and Bandi Chhor Divas as public holidays in this State.

AL HB155

State holidays, observance of all federal holidays provided for