Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 1014

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Recognizing "Native American Heritage Day."

Sponsors: Representatives McCoy, Appleton, Hunt, Hurst, Moscoso, Ryu, Sells, Dahlquist, Johnson, Zeiger, Fitzgibbon, Wilcox, Stanford, Hudgins, Haigh, Tharinger, Van De Wege, Morrell, Ormsby, Upthegrove, Pollet, Bergquist, Reykdal, Kochmar, Jinkins, O'Ban and Santos.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Names the state legal holiday on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving as "Native American Heritage Day."

Hearing Date: 1/29/13

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

The state currently observes 10 legal holidays, most of which are designated for some commemorative distinction, including, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Declaration of Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The day immediately following Thanksgiving Day is also a legal holiday, but has no corresponding name or distinction.

In 2008, President George W. Bush signed a joint resolution by Congress designating Friday, November 28, 2008, as Native American Heritage Day, and encouraging, federal, state, and local governments to observe the date as tribute to the contributions Native Americans have made to the United States. In 2010, President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2010 as Native American Heritage Month, and called upon all Americans to celebrate November 26, 2010, the day after Thanksgiving, as Native American Heritage Day.

Summary of Bill:

The legal holiday on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving Day is named "Native American Heritage Day."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.