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SB 2391

Holidays and Days of Special Observance - As enacted, designates October 11 of each year to be observed as "General Pulaski Memorial Day." - Amends TCA Title 15, Chapter 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Designates October 11 as General Pulaski Memorial Day in Tennessee for patriotic observances, not a paid holiday or mandatory closures.

Pub. Ch. 676
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Bill Summary · SB 2391

Summary of Bill: SB 2391 (Session 114) – Holidays and Days of Special Observance

Bill Overview

  • Sponsor(s): Senate—Hensley (Co-sponsor: Joey Hensley); House—Doggett
  • Title/Topic: Creates a designated day of observance for Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski.
  • Effective Date: Upon becoming law (public welfare requires it). Implemented via Chapter/Act numbers reflected in the enactment.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill designates October 11 of each year as a state observance named “General Pulaski Memorial Day.”
  • The designation honors Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War military leader known for his service to the Continental Army and the cause of American liberty.
  • The act notes Pulaski’s historical significance, including his role at the Battle of Brandywine and his mortally wounding during the Siege of Savannah, as well as Tennessee’s connection to his legacy (the city of Pulaski in Giles County is named in his honor).

Key Provisions

  • New Observance: October 11 each year shall be observed as "General Pulaski Memorial Day."
  • Not a Legal Holiday: The day is to be observed as a day of remembrance but does not constitute a legal holiday as defined by § 15-1-101 of Tennessee Code Annotated.
  • Observance Activities: The bill expresses intent to conduct suitable patriotic and public exercises commemorating Pulaski’s death and legacy, acknowledging the contributions of Polish-Americans to Tennessee.
  • Scope: The designation applies statewide; it does not create new paid leave or mandated government closure, beyond the observance/commemoration activities.

Who/What Is Affected

  • State and Local Government and Public: Encourages statewide observances and patriotic commemorations.
  • General Public: Recognizes Pulaski’s legacy and Polish-American contributions; does not impose new mandatory holidays or closures.
  • Tennessee Historical Context: Reinforces connection to Pulaski (notably the city of Pulaski, Tennessee).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative Path: Passed both chambers in 2026; enrolled and transmitted to the Governor in March 2026.
  • Governor Action: Signed into law (as indicated by the action history) and effective shortly thereafter.
  • Effective Date Listing: The act notes “Effective date(s): 04/07/2026” in the fiscal notes, with the overall be-eefect upon becoming law as stated in the act itself.
  • Fiscal Impact: Described as not significant; designation is not a legal local government holiday and is expected to involve minimal cost beyond standard observance activities.

Fiscal Impact

  • The fiscal note concludes the designation has a non-significant fiscal impact on state and local governments, given that it does not create a legal holiday requiring paid time off or other substantial costs.

Takeaway

SB 2391 establishes October 11 as General Pulaski Memorial Day in Tennessee, enabling patriotic observances without creating a paid holiday or mandatory closures. It emphasizes Pulaski’s historical importance and Tennessee’s connection to him, while recognizing Polish-American contributions. The measure is largely ceremonial and anticipated to incur minimal fiscal impact.

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

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