JUNETEENTH & SOJOURNER TRUTH DAYS S.B. 384: ENROLLED SUMMARY






Senate Bill 384 (as enrolled) PUBLIC ACT 48 of 2005 Sponsor: Senator Martha G. Scott
Senate Committee: Local, Urban and State Affairs
House Committee: Government Operations


Date Completed: 8-30-05

CONTENT


The bill created a new act to declare that the third Saturday in June of each year must be known as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" and that November 26 of each year be known as "Sojourner Truth Day".


The Act took effect on June 17, 2005.


The bill states, "The legislature...observes that congress passed the thirteenth amendment to the United States constitution on January 31, 1865, abolishing slavery throughout the United States and its territories... News of the amendment reached the states at different times and it was not until June 19, 1865 that the message of freedom reached the slaves in the western states."


Under the bill, "The legislature encourages individuals, educational institutions, and social, community, religious, labor, and business organizations to pause on Juneteenth National Freedom Day and reflect upon the strong survival instinct of the African-American slaves and the excitement and great joy with which African-Americans first celebrated the abolition of slavery."


Additionally, the bill states, "The legislature recognizes the fundamental contribution Sojourner Truth made to the cause of abolition of slavery and the establishment of equal rights for women... Designating Sojourner Truth Day in the state of Michigan will not only acknowledge the importance of this national figure in the antislavery and human justice movements, but will also recognize her strong ties to the state during her 26 years of residence here."


MCL 435.361


Legislative Analyst: J.P. Finet

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.


Fiscal Analyst: Bill Bowerman

Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb384/0506