The bill amends Chapter 25-1 entitled "Holidays" of the General Laws to establish June 19th as a state holiday known as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day." It specifies that if June 19th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, state employees will celebrate the holiday on the following Monday. This insertion into the law expands the list of general holidays that are recognized and provides for the observance of Juneteenth in a manner consistent with other holidays that fall on weekends.
Additionally, the bill amends Chapter 25-3 entitled "Work on Holidays and Sundays" by defining terms such as "Director," "Economic necessity," "Employee," "Employer," and "Holidays." It includes "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" in the definition of "Holidays" alongside other recognized holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Christmas. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.
Statutes affected: 5380 SUB A: 25-1-1, 25-3-1
5380: 25-3-1