Alabama House Bill HB165

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Engrossed: 4/17/25
• Refer: 4/22/25
• Report Pass: 4/29/25
• Enrolled: 5/7/25
• Passed: 5/12/25

Caption

State holidays; Juneteenth added as state holiday

Impact

With the passage of HB 165, Alabama will officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, similar to other state-observed holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day. This amendment would require all state offices to close on June 19th, thereby mandating that public institutions acknowledge the day through observance. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the bill also designates December 1st as 'Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day' to honor the civil rights activist's contributions, promoting education and observance of her legacy.

Summary

House Bill 165 seeks to amend the existing Alabama Code to add Juneteenth as an official state holiday. The bill is primarily focused on recognizing June 19 as a day of significance, celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Additionally, the legislation includes technical revisions to update the language of the code to align with current standards. This legislative move reflects a growing recognition of the importance of Juneteenth in American history and aims to foster a more inclusive approach to the state’s holidays.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 165 appears to be positive, with a general consensus among supporters advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth. Proponents argue that this measure is long overdue and represents a critical step towards acknowledging and celebrating African American heritage within the state. However, there may be pockets of resistance from those who view the addition of new holidays as burdensome or redundant considering the existing holiday structure.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, there is an undercurrent of contention regarding the implications of adding new state holidays. Opponents could express concerns about the financial impact of additional holiday closures on state operations and businesses. Yet, by integrating holidays that commemorate significant moments in American history, supporters assert that the bill enhances cultural recognition and promotes inclusivity among Alabama's diverse population.