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SB 733

Education - As introduced, requires the department of education to submit an early grades reading report to legislative committees with jurisdiction over subject matter pertaining to education by December 31 of each year. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

Designates January 14 as Tamil Pongal Day in North Carolina to recognize Tamil/South Asian heritage; a symbolic observance, not a paid holiday, effective when it becomes law.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 733

SB 733 — Tamil Pongal State Holiday (North Carolina) — Summary

Purpose / Intent

SB 733 designates January 14 of each year as "Tamil Pongal Day" in North Carolina. The bill is a symbolic recognition aimed at honoring the cultural and community significance of the Tamil harvest festival Pongal and acknowledging the contributions of Tamil and South Asian communities in the state.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statutory section to Chapter 103 of the North Carolina General Statutes:
    • § 103-19: “The fourteenth day of January of each year is designated as Tamil Pongal Day in North Carolina.”
  • The act is effective upon becoming law (the bill’s text specifies immediate effectiveness).

Who is affected

  • General public: The designation establishes an official day of observance for the public and state entities to recognize Tamil Pongal.
  • State agencies and institutions: May include the observance on official calendars, promotional materials, proclamations, and educational content. The statute does not create a paid state holiday, mandate office closures, or change employment/leave rules unless implemented separately.
  • Tamil and broader South Asian communities: Receives formal state recognition of cultural heritage and festivals.

Procedural / Timeline highlights

  • Introduced and filed in the North Carolina Senate (sponsor: Senator Mohammed).
  • Advanced through committee and both legislative chambers (record shows readings, committee referrals, and passage).
  • Enrolled and presented to the Governor on September 23, 2025.
  • Approved by the Governor and chaptered as Chapter 783, Statutes of 2025, on October 13, 2025 — at which point the law became effective (per the bill’s “effective when it becomes law” clause).

Fiscal and operational impact

  • The bill is limited to designating a day of observance and contains no operating mandates, appropriation, or explicit fiscal effects.
  • Any costs (e.g., state outreach, proclamations, incorporation into calendars) are expected to be minimal and discretionary.

Additional notes

  • The statutory language is brief and purely declaratory; it does not create holidays with closure or benefits.
  • Related companion/resolution references appear in some legislative records (listed companions in the materials include HB 770 and HB 1129), but SB 733 itself is the enactment establishing the designation.

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

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