SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1016
As of March 9, 2021
Title: An act relating to making Juneteenth a legal holiday.
Brief Description: Making Juneteenth a legal holiday.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Morgan, Lovick, Ryu, Wicks, Ortiz-Self, Berry, Leavitt, Johnson, J., Kloba, Shewmake, Simmons, Bateman, Lekanoff, Duerr, Fitzgibbon, Chopp, Slatter, Ramos, Ramel, Peterson, Gregerson, Valdez, Callan, Young, Hackney, Cody, Ormsby, Riccelli, Rude, Stonier, Fey, Frame, Santos, Macri, Taylor, Davis, Pollet, Bergquist and Harris-Talley).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/25/21, 89-9.
Committee Activity: State Government & Elections: 3/10/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Designates June 19, recognized as Juneteenth, as a state legal holiday.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & ELECTIONS
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
Background:

State Holidays.  Washington recognizes ten specific days as state legal holidays—New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Native American Heritage Day, and Christmas Day.  In addition to legal holidays, the Legislature has statutorily recognized a number of days to commemorate an event, individual, or groups.
 
Juneteenth.  On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation, people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people had been freed.  June 19th has subsequently been celebrated as "Juneteenth" or Emancipation Day to commemorate the abolishment of slavery.  In 2007, the Legislature designated Juneteenth as a day of remembrance for when slaves learned of their freedom.  Forty-six other states and the District of Columbia also recognize Juneteenth as either a holiday or day of observance.
Summary of Bill:

June 19, recognized as Juneteenth, is designated a state legal holiday.
Appropriation: The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.