Bill
S 2132
Establishes January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day in Massachusetts via annual gubernatorial proclamation to educate about civil liberties and encourage civic participation.
Note on inconsistencies
- The materials you provided contain conflicting metadata. The bill number (S 2132) and some header items initially reference a different subject (“Establishes the baby bucks allowance” / “CLEAR Path Act”), and the sponsors list appears to be from a different jurisdiction/session. The actual bill text in your packet is a Massachusetts bill, presented by Senator James B. Eldridge, that designates January 30 as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.” This summary focuses on the bill text included in your submission. Please confirm which bill you want summarized if you intended a different measure.
Bill title (in text)
- An Act designating January 30 of each year as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Massachusetts
Purpose and intent
- To establish an annual, statewide observance recognizing the birthday and legacy of Fred Korematsu and to promote education and civic participation focused on civil liberties and the Constitution.
Key provisions
- Adds a new section (designated Section 15NNNNNN) to Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
- Requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation setting apart January 30 as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.”
- States the purpose of the proclamation: recognition of Korematsu’s birthday, to educate about and honor his life and perseverance, and to acknowledge his advocacy for civil liberties.
- Recommends the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people and used as an opportunity for civic participation.
Who would be affected
- Direct governmental action is limited: the requirement is for an annual gubernatorial proclamation (no new funding, programs, or regulatory mandates).
- Indirectly affects state agencies, schools, civic organizations, and the public by creating an occasion for commemorative and educational activities related to civil liberties and constitutional rights.
Procedural status and timeline (from provided actions)
- Filed/Presented: Senate Docket No. 849 (filed 1/14/2025), presented by James B. Eldridge.
- Committee reviews and actions in the provided timeline are inconsistent (entries show referrals to multiple committees, a hearing scheduled 6/4/2025, and a favorable report 7/7/2025). Based on the bill text header, primary referral was to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; other entries reference Judiciary, Children and Families, and Senate Rules.
- As a ceremonial/observance statute, enactment would take effect upon becoming law and would commence with the first January 30 after enactment.
Potential impact and considerations
- Symbolic and educational: establishes an annual formal observance to promote public education about civil liberties and the Korematsu legacy.
- No appropriation or regulatory change is specified; implementation depends on proclamations and voluntary observances by state and community organizations.
- Because it creates a gubernatorial proclamation requirement, it is an executive-symbolic mandate rather than a programmatic policy change.
If you intended summary of a different S.2132 (e.g., “baby bucks allowance” or the CLEAR Path Act), please provide the correct text or clarify which version you want summarized.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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