Judicial Council Supports Juneteenth Legislation

The Judicial Council’s Legislation Committee on Thursday voted to support a bill to make Juneteenth a California state holiday, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. 

Said Judge Marla O. Anderson, chair of the Legislation committee:

"The Judicial Council is pleased to support AB 1655, which takes the historic step of making Juneteenth a California state holiday to commemorate the final end to slavery in the United States.  As we observe Black History Month, it is particularly meaningful to support this bill’s important goal of permanently setting aside June 19th as a day to celebrate not only African American freedom in this country, but also recognize the integral and significant contributions of Black Americans to our nation and the state of California. A Juneteenth holiday provides the opportunity for all Californians and Americans to commemorate the importance of freedom and inclusion."

AB 1655 would make June 19—known as Juneteenth—a paid state holiday, commemorating the day American forces declared enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were freed.

The bill would go into effect in 2023, if approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.