Bill

HR 293

A resolution to declare April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 23 co-sponsors

Michigan declares April 24, 2026 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day to honor victims and educate on preventing future atrocities.

adopted

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 293

A resolution to declare April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.

Officially recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide by designating a specific day, April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Michigan.
affirm the historical recognition of the genocide and promote education, remembrance, and prevention of future atrocities.
Align Michigan with broader national and international acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide and support for affected communities.

Declaration: The Michigan House of Representatives would declare April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
Rationale and context cited in the resolution:
- Acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide (1915–1923) with an estimated 1.5 million Armenian, and related Christian communities’ deaths.
- Recognition of displacement, refugee flows (including to the United States and Michigan), and ongoing community contributions in Michigan (e.g., scholarship programs, refugee assistance).
- Historical significance and precedents of recognition at state, national, and international levels (including U.S. Congress and presidential statements).
- Emphasis on education, remembrance, and preventing future atrocities, while noting the ongoing denial by some governments.
Observance: Although the resolution is mainly symbolic, it frames the day as an occasion to honor victims, survivors, and descendants, and to reaffirm commitment to preventing genocide and hatred.

State government and public acknowledgment: Michigan would publicly recognize April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
Armenian American community: Formal recognition aligns with community commemorations and may bolster educational and charitable activities linked to Armenian heritage and genocide awareness.
Public institutions and educators: The resolution can serve as a basis for school curriculum discussions, commemorative events, and public programming related to genocide education (though the bill itself does not mandate specific programs).
General public: Increased awareness of the Armenian Genocide and related historical lessons about preventing mass atrocities and ideological hatred.

Introduction date: April 28, 2026 (by Rep. Phil Skaggs).
Action history indicates the bill was introduced and then postponed for the day (a typical routine in committee or session calendars before formal consideration).
As a resolution, it does not create new law or funding; it is a formal expression of the state legislature’s recognition and intent.

The resolution references Michigan’s prior recognition of the Armenian Genocide via Public Act 58 of 2002, establishing historical acknowledgment within state law.
The document emphasizes remembrance, education, and a commitment to preventing future atrocities, in line with broader genocide awareness efforts.

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