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House votes to designate a Juneteenth observance day in Utah
Summary
The House approved HB338 to designate the third Saturday in June as a Juneteenth observance day after sponsors described the holiday’s history; the bill passed 63–0 and will be sent to the Senate.
Representative Hollins presented HB 338 on Feb. 29 to designate the third Saturday in June as a Juneteenth observance day. He recited historical context about the Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger’s June 1865 arrival in Galveston and the growth of Juneteenth celebrations, noting local observances in Utah that date to the 1940s.
Several representatives rose in support. Representative Draxler, a former social studies teacher, said he first learned of Juneteenth as a student and strongly supported formal recognition in Utah. Representative Peterson and others also expressed support, saying the observance recognizes a meaningful piece of American history and reflects Utah’s multicultural character.
Representative Hollins waived summation and the House opened voting on HB338; the bill recorded 63 yay votes and 0 nays and will be referred to the Utah Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: HB338 is transmitted to the Senate for consideration and potential enrollment.
