JUNETEENTH NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY S.B. 384: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 384 (as introduced 4-14-05)
Sponsor: Senator Martha G. Scott
Committee: Local, Urban and State Affairs
Date Completed: 5-16-05
CONTENT
The bill would declare that the third Saturday in June of each year be known as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day".
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."
The bill also 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. In the following months, spontaneous celebrations erupted throughout the country whenever African-Americans learned of the Amendment. News of the amendment reached the individual states at different times and it was not until June 19, 1865 that the message of freedom reached the slaves in the Western states."
Legislative Analyst: J.P. Finet
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would 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