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HB 858

Legal holidays; replaces Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, with Indigenous Peoples' Day.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 12 co-sponsors

Virginia bill replaces Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day as the official October holiday, shifting state recognition from European explorer to Native American communities.

Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 858

Legislative bill overview

HB 858 would replace Columbus Day (the second Monday in October) with Indigenous Peoples' Day as an official state holiday in Virginia. The bill changes the name and observance of the existing holiday rather than creating a new one or adding an additional day off.

Why is this important

This represents a symbolic shift in how Virginia officially commemorates October's second Monday—moving from honoring Christopher Columbus to recognizing Indigenous peoples and their history. The change affects state employee schedules, school calendars, and official state recognition, reflecting broader national debates about historical commemoration and whose contributions are formally acknowledged.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical interpretation: Disagreement over Columbus's legacy—supporters view the change as correcting a problematic historical narrative, while opponents may argue Columbus deserves recognition for his role in European exploration
  • Implementation costs: The fiscal impact statement suggests potential expenses for updating documents, signage, and systems across state agencies and schools, though details aren't specified
  • Precedent and consistency: Questions about whether other holidays should similarly be reconsidered, and whether Virginia should align with federal holiday observances (Columbus Day remains federal)

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

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