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Bill

HR 4619

Observing Black History Month.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Abbarno and 73 co-sponsors

Ceremonial resolution recognizing Black History Month in Washington State and urging year-round education about Black Americans' contributions and history.

Adopted.
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Bill Summary · HR 4619

Summary — HR 4619: Observing Black History Month

Status: Adopted (House Resolution)
Bill number: HR 4619
Classification: Resolution (ceremonial)
Introduced / Adopted: Introduced 02/27/2023; Adopted 02/27/2023 (text provided).
Note: materials also include a separate 2025 House Resolution using the same HR 4619 number that memorializes Executive Order 9066 and Japanese‑American incarceration (adopted 02/19/2025). See “Procedural notes / data inconsistencies” below.

Purpose

HR 4619 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing and celebrating Black History Month. Its intent is to acknowledge the contributions, history, and resilience of Black Americans, to encourage public learning about Black history, and to urge year‑round recognition and celebration in schools and communities across Washington State.

Key provisions

  • Formally celebrates Black History Month and recognizes the legacy and contributions of Black Americans to local communities, the State of Washington, and the United States.
  • States the principle that "Black history is American history" and affirms the cultural, educational, military, scientific, and artistic contributions of Black Americans.
  • Acknowledges historical injustices (slavery, Jim Crow, segregation) and the long struggle to realize the ideals of equality and opportunity.
  • Encourages schools, universities, communities, and neighborhoods to celebrate Black History Month and to foster better understanding of that history and its significance in Washington and nationwide.
  • Calls for ongoing remembrance and learning "not only in February but throughout the whole year."

Who is affected

  • Primarily symbolic: residents of Washington State, educational institutions (K–12 schools and universities), community organizations, and public officials.
  • No changes to statutory rights, funding, or administrative obligations are created; the resolution serves an educational and commemorative role.

Legal and fiscal effect

  • As a House resolution, HR 4619 is non‑binding and ceremonial. It does not change law, create rights or duties, or appropriate funds.
  • Implementation relies on voluntary actions by schools, community groups, and government entities to organize observances and educational activities.

Procedural notes / data inconsistencies

  • The materials provided include two distinct texts both labeled HR 4619: a 2023 resolution focused on Black History Month (by Representative Hackney) and a 2025 resolution memorializing the signing of Executive Order 9066 and recognizing Japanese‑American veterans and incarcerees (sponsored by multiple Representatives). These appear to be separate state House resolutions that share a number but differ by year and subject.
  • Legislative action entries and the list of U.S. House sponsors supplied (Paul Tonko as "primary," Lloyd Doggett, Brian Fitzpatrick, etc.) suggest additional, different measures at other jurisdictions. Those federal sponsors do not align with the Washington State House authors listed in the resolution texts.
  • Recommendation: consult the official Washington State Legislature website or the Clerk of the House for the authoritative version(s) and to resolve numbering/sponsor discrepancies.

Practical impact

  • The resolution reinforces public recognition, education, and commemoration efforts around Black history within Washington State.
  • Its primary effect is cultural and educational — encouraging programming, curricula, and community conversations that elevate understanding of Black Americans' contributions and the history of racial injustice.

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

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