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Bill

HF 287

A bill for an act making election day a legal public holiday.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Turek

Bill HF 287 designates Election Day as a legal public holiday, allowing citizens to vote without work constraints and providing paid leave for state employees.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
#electionsandpolitics #holidays #voting
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 287

Summary of Bill HF 287: Making Election Day a Legal Public Holiday

Purpose and Intent

Bill HF 287 aims to establish Election Day as a legal public holiday in the state, specifically designating the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year as a day off for citizens and a paid holiday for state employees. The intent behind this legislation is to encourage voter participation by ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to cast their ballots without the constraints of work obligations.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:

  1. Legal Public Holiday:

    • Election Day will be recognized as a legal public holiday, allowing citizens to take the day off to participate in elections.

  2. Paid Holiday for State Employees:

    • State employees will receive paid time off on Election Day, ensuring that they can fulfill their civic duty without financial penalty.

  3. Amendments to Existing Code:

    • The bill amends Section 1C.1 and Section 1C.2 of the Code 2025 to formally include Election Day as a recognized holiday.

Affected Parties

  • Voters: The general public will benefit from having a designated day off to vote, potentially increasing voter turnout and engagement in the electoral process.
  • State Employees: State workers will receive paid leave, which may enhance their ability to participate in elections without the worry of losing income.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 10, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the State Government committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

HF 287 represents a significant step towards promoting civic engagement by making Election Day a legal public holiday. By providing a paid day off for state employees and encouraging all citizens to participate in the electoral process, this bill seeks to enhance democratic participation and ensure that voting is accessible to everyone. Further legislative actions will determine the bill's progression and potential enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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