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Bill

A 4645

Changes date of "Juneteenth Day" in NJ to June 19 of each year.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Aura Dunn and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill fixes Juneteenth observance to June 19 annually, standardizing the holiday date for government offices, schools, and employers statewide.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4645

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4645 would establish June 19 as the fixed annual date for observing Juneteenth Day in New Jersey, rather than observing it on whatever date June 19 falls on in a given week. This ensures the holiday is always commemorated on the same calendar date, consistent with how other federal holidays are observed.

Why is this important

Juneteenth, which marks the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their emancipation in 1865, was designated a federal holiday in 2021. Standardizing its observance date in New Jersey on June 19 specifically ensures clarity for employers, schools, and residents regarding when the holiday will be observed and when government offices will be closed.

Potential points of contention

  • Calendar consistency: Some jurisdictions observe holidays on the nearest weekday (e.g., Monday if the 19th falls on a weekend) for practical scheduling, while this bill fixes it to June 19 regardless of the day of the week
  • Workplace impact: Employers may need to adjust payroll, scheduling systems, and leave policies if the bill changes how the holiday was previously observed in New Jersey
  • Administrative burden: Government agencies and schools may face minor administrative costs updating policies and systems to reflect the fixed date requirement

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

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