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HB 371

State holidays; remove Confederate Memorial Day as a legal state holiday.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Solomon Osborne

Mississippi HB 371 removes Confederate Memorial Day as an official state holiday, eliminating state recognition and government closure for the observance.

Referred To State Affairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 371

Legislative bill overview

HB 371 proposes to remove Confederate Memorial Day from Mississippi's official list of recognized state holidays. Currently, Mississippi observes this day on the birthday of Robert E. Lee in January. The bill would eliminate the state's legal designation and associated observance of this holiday.

Why is this important

State holidays carry symbolic weight and affect government operations, business practices, and public commemoration. Removing Confederate Memorial Day reflects ongoing national debates about how states memorialize historical figures and periods, particularly those connected to slavery and the Confederacy. This decision influences what Mississippi officially recognizes as worthy of statewide celebration and government closure.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical memory vs. modern values: Supporters argue the Confederacy fought to preserve slavery and removing the holiday reflects contemporary values; opponents may contend the holiday honors regional heritage and that removing it erases history
  • Replacement considerations: Unclear whether the bill replaces Confederate Memorial Day with an alternative holiday (such as one honoring civil rights figures or other historical events), which affects net impact on state commemoration
  • Government operations: Questions about how removal affects state employee schedules, business practices, and which holidays fill the calendar, since Mississippi currently has relatively few official state holidays

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

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