Bill
HB 701
Designates May 17 as Lafayette Day in North Carolina to honor Lafayette; a ceremonial observance with no funds or mandatory closures, enabling schools and groups to plan events.
Status
- Bill filed: November 12, 2024 (filed/printed version dated Apr 2–3, 2025).
- Primary sponsor: Rep. Charles Smith (with several co-sponsors listed on the Edition 1 filing).
- Referred to: State and Local Government committee (if favorable, then Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House).
- Current procedural status (as of the provided record): introduced and referred to committee. The bill becomes effective when enacted.
Purpose / Intent
- Designate May 17 of each year as "Lafayette Day" in North Carolina to honor Gilbert‑du‑Motier, Marquis de Lafayette — a key American Revolutionary War ally of George Washington — and to recognize his contributions to liberty, human rights, and the historical ties between North Carolina and Lafayette.
Key provisions
- Adds a new section to Chapter 103 of the North Carolina General Statutes:
- § 103‑19: “The seventeenth day of May of each year is designated as Lafayette Day in the State of North Carolina.”
- No provisions creating an annual state holiday, paid leave, or mandated government closures; the bill simply establishes an official day of observance.
Findings and background cited in the bill
- Notes bicentennial commemorations tied to Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America (1824–1825) and related local celebrations across the state.
- Highlights Lafayette’s military service (including Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown), his advocacy for human and civil rights, anti‑slavery positions, and support for certain women’s rights reforms.
- Notes North Carolina’s historical link to Lafayette: the State Assembly renamed “Campellton” to “Fayetteville” on May 17, 1783 — cited as a reason to select May 17 for the observance.
Who is affected
- General public: primarily symbolic/ceremonial recognition.
- Local governments, historical societies, schools, museums, veterans’ and civic organizations may plan commemorative events or educational programming.
- No direct fiscal, regulatory, or administrative obligations are imposed on state agencies by the text provided.
Fiscal or practical impact
- The bill is largely ceremonial. It does not appropriate funds, create new programs, or impose duties beyond authorizing the designation.
- Any costs would relate to voluntary observances or events planned by public or private entities.
Implementation / Effective date
- The act would take effect upon becoming law. No implementation details or reporting requirements are included.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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