Senate approves making Indigenous PeoplesDay a legal holiday on second Monday in October

Senate Bill 224 passed second reading with a 48-2 vote after an extended floor discussion that highlighted support from multiple members and testimony at the committee hearing. The measure would establish Indigenous Peoples Day as a legal holiday in Montana on the second Monday in October, allowing communities to observe and celebrate Indigenous heritage and history on that date.

Sponsor Senator Shane Morgeau described a positive committee hearing with proponents across the state and said the day already is observed in communities including Billings and Bozeman. Several senators framed the measure as a compromise that recognizes both Indigenous histories and other observances associated with the second Monday in October; Senator Manzella referenced the precedent of combining Lincoln and Washington birthdays into Presidents' Day as a similar legislative accommodation.

Debate emphasized cultural recognition and community celebration rather than the removal of other observances. Senators who spoke in favor cited local organizing activity and the potential to coordinate commemorations, such as acquisition of a tribal leader's bust, alongside the holiday. The clerk recorded 48 ayes and 2 nays and the committee recommended the bill do pass on second reading.