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Bill

HB 866

Designate Devo Day

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Grim and 1 co-sponsor

Designates April 18 as Devo Day in Ohio to honor the band’s cultural impact, with a ceremonial observance and no new state obligations.

Referred to committee
#observances #specialdesignations
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Bill Summary · HB 866

Summary of HB 866 (Ohio 136th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

  • Designates a commemorative day in Ohio: the eighteenth day of April as “Devo Day.”
  • The designation is in honor of the band Devo, from Akron, recognizing their influence on the new wave genre and their cultural impact. The bill notes Devo’s first official performance occurred at Kent State University on April 18, 1973.

Key provisions

  • Enacts a new section, 5.2541 of the Revised Code, establishing the annual observance of Devo Day on April 18.
  • The designation is ceremonial and does not appear to create any new state obligations, funding, or administrative programs beyond recognizing the day.

Who/what would be affected

  • State recognition and observance: residents, schools, and state institutions may reference or acknowledge Devo Day on April 18.
  • Akron and the broader Ohio arts and music community could gain cultural visibility tied to Devo’s contributions to music history.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the 136th General Assembly, Regular Session, as of May 12, 2026.
  • Sponsorship: Primary sponsor not listed; co-sponsors are Representatives Michele Grim and Veronica Sims.
  • Since the bill designates a day by statute, passage would typically require the standard legislative process (committee review, floor votes, and potential gubernatorial signature) for enactment, after introduction.

Additional notes

  • The bill’s language emphasizes Devo’s role in shaping the “new wave” sound and ties the designation to Devo’s Akron origins and Kent State University performance date.
  • No accompanying fiscal impact, administrative program, or enforcement mechanisms are described in the text provided.

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

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