Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SSB 6078
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: Senate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators McCoy, Kohl-Welles and Conway).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/26/14
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The state currently observes nine legal and school holidays, that 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 and school holiday, but has no corresponding name or distinction.
In 2009 Congress passed a joint resolution that designated the Friday after Thanksgiving Day as Native American Heritage Day and encouraged federal, state, and local governments to observe the date in honor of Native American history, traditions and culture. In 2013 President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2013 as Native American Heritage Month and called upon all Americans to celebrate November 29, 2013, the day after Thanksgiving, as Native American Heritage Day.
There are 29 federally recognized tribes in the state. There are other tribal communities in the state that are not federally recognized and individuals who claim Native American ancestry who may or may not be enrolled members of a tribe.
Summary of Bill:
The legal and school 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.