Summary — HB 5602: "State Holiday — John Lewis Day"
Purpose and intent
HB 5602 proposes to establish an official state holiday named "John Lewis Day" to honor the late Congressman and civil‑rights leader John R. Lewis and his contributions to voting rights and civil rights. The bill’s title indicates an intent to add a named observance to the State’s list of holidays and recognize Lewis’s legacy in law and public life.
Key provisions (based on bill title and available record)
The actual bill text is not included in the provided materials. Based on the bill title and common practice for state holiday legislation, HB 5602 would likely do one or more of the following:
- Designate “John Lewis Day” as a state holiday or commemorative observance.
- Specify the date of observance (commonly a birthdate or anniversary; the bill text would confirm the exact date).
- Direct state agencies and departments on observance procedures (for example, whether state offices are closed or an observance is ceremonial).
- Provide implementation details such as effective date, any requirement for public schools or state agencies to conduct educational or commemorative activities, and whether the holiday affects pay/leave rules for state employees.
Because the bill text is not provided, readers should consult the official bill language for the precise operative provisions (date, whether it is a paid/legal holiday, required agency actions, and any exemptions).
Who would be affected
- State government entities (agencies and departments) — could be required to observe the day or close offices if the bill designates a paid/legal holiday.
- State employees — potential implications for leave, holiday pay, or schedules if the holiday is a paid day off.
- Local governments, school districts, and public institutions — may be encouraged or required to observe the day if the bill includes such directives.
- Employers in the private sector would be affected only if the law changes state employment obligations (which would be specified in the bill text).
Fiscal and administrative impact
- Likely limited administrative costs for marking the holiday (communications, signage, educational materials).
- If the measure creates a paid holiday for state employees, there could be direct costs tied to employee compensation and operational scheduling; the magnitude would depend on whether the bill creates a paid legal holiday versus a commemorative observance.
Legislative status and timeline (chronological highlights from provided record)
- Filed with the Clerk / First Reading: Feb 9, 2024 (Rep. Joyce Mason).
- House committee action: Referred to State Government Administration Committee (Mar 5, 2024); Do Pass / Short Debate reported (Mar 21, 2024).
- House passage: Third Reading — Passed 110‑0 (Apr 17, 2024).
- Sent to Senate: Arrived in Senate and First Reading (Apr 18, 2024); referred to Assignments.
- Senate committee work: Assigned to Executive Committee (May 1, 2024); Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 filed and adopted (May 15, 2024); Do Pass as Amended (May 15, 2024).
- Further Senate calendar activity continuing into late 2024 and early 2025 (multiple calendar placements and committee referrals listed).
- Recent entries: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading Jan 5, 2025; Read first time and referred to State Affairs (Apr 7, 2025).
- Current status (from provided record): Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading (January 5, 2025) and active in Senate consideration as of April 2025.
Note: There are chronological inconsistencies in the metadata (e.g., an “Introduced” date of March 14, 2025 that post‑dates many earlier actions). The sequence above follows the dated legislative actions provided. Consult the official legislative site for the authoritative history and latest status.
How to follow the bill / next steps
- To know the bill’s precise legal effect (date of observance, paid vs. commemorative status, implementation rules), review the full bill text on the legislature’s website.
- Next procedural steps (if not already completed): third reading and final passage in the chamber currently considering the bill, concurrence on any amendments, and gubernatorial action (signature or veto).
- For fiscal details, look for a fiscal note or legislative analysis accompanying the bill when it is considered in committee.
If you’d like, I can:
- Retrieve and summarize the full bill text (to confirm exact date and legal effects), or
- Prepare a short memo comparing this bill’s provisions to how other states have established John Lewis Day.
