Bill
H 3414
South Carolina designates the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to symbolically recognize Native American histories and contributions.
Note on source documents
- The legislative materials provided include text from two different jurisdictions (a Massachusetts docket about amending tenure language and a South Carolina draft designating an Indigenous Peoples’ Day). The substantive language and legislative findings relevant to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” match a draft amendment to the South Carolina Code (Title 53). This summary focuses on the Indigenous Peoples’ Day provision as presented in that draft.
Purpose and intent
- To formally designate the second Monday of October each year as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in the State of South Carolina and to encourage acknowledgement of the historical sacrifices and contributions of Indigenous peoples to the state and nation.
Key provisions
- Adds a new section to the South Carolina Code (proposed Section 53-3-320) with the single substantive directive:
- “The second Monday of October of each year is designated as ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Day’ in South Carolina.”
- Includes legislative findings and recital language recognizing:
- The longstanding presence and contributions of Native Americans.
- That South Carolina is home to many Native American communities, including the federally recognized Catawba Indian Nation.
- A listing of recognized Native American Tribes, Groups, and Special Interest Organizations in the state (e.g., Beaver Creek Indians, Pee Dee Indian Tribe, Waccamaw Indian People, Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians, etc.).
- Historical context noting the concept of “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” was first proposed in 1977.
- Effective date:
- The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Who would be affected
- Symbolic/state recognition: All South Carolina residents, state agencies, schools, and local governments insofar as they elect to observe or acknowledge the designated day.
- Particularly relevant to Native American tribes, groups, and organizations named or recognized in state law; the designation is intended to honor and acknowledge their history and contributions.
- No language in the draft creates a state holiday with paid leave, closure of government offices, or any economic/administrative mandates.
Procedural status and timeline (as provided)
- Prefiled: 12/05/2024
- Introduced / read first time: 01/14/2025
- Referred to Committee on Judiciary: 01/14/2025 (some records also note referral to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on 02/27/2025)
- Referred / Senate concurred: 02/27/2025 (record shows concurrence)
- Hearing scheduled: 07/22/2025, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (location A-1)
- Related bill: HD 2898 (replacement)
Potential impact and considerations
- Primary impact is symbolic recognition and public acknowledgment; the bill does not allocate funds, create a paid state holiday, or impose regulatory requirements.
- May prompt state agencies, schools, and municipalities to adopt observances, educational programming, proclamations, or commemorative events on the second Monday of October.
- Could serve as a step toward future policy or education changes recognizing Indigenous history and culture.
If you would like, I can:
- Draft a brief memo comparing this designation to existing state/federal observances (e.g., Columbus Day/Federal Indigenous Peoples’ Day observances), or
- Extract the list of named tribes and organizations into a concise table for stakeholders.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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