HB146: HB146 State holidays; month of April as Black Women's History Month; designate

Georgia law currently does not set aside a month to recognize Black women's history. This bill would change that by adding a new section to Georgia's law on holidays and observances (O.C.G.A. Chapter 4 of Title 1). It would designate April of each year as 'Black Women's History Month' in the state. The bill includes a series of legislative findings explaining the reasoning behind the designation, citing Black women's contributions to the arts, science, government, education, and everyday life in Georgia. It then encourages state, county, and municipal government officials and departments, boards of education, schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and citizens to take part in ceremonies, programs, and activities during April that commemorate Black women's contributions. The bill does not create a paid holiday, require any specific event, or set any funding or effective date beyond standard enactment.

• Adds a new Code section (1-4-27) to Georgia law designating April each year as 'Black Women's History Month.'
• States legislative findings recognizing Black women's historical and ongoing contributions to Georgia and the nation.
• Encourages, but does not require, government officials, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold ceremonies and programs honoring Black women during April.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation.

The designation applies broadly to state, county, and municipal government officials and departments, boards of education, public and private schools, colleges and universities, businesses, and Georgia citizens generally, all of whom are encouraged (not required) to participate in April observances.

If passed, Georgia would have an official month recognizing Black women's history, which could shape public commemorations, school programming, and government-sponsored events each April, though the bill creates no mandates, funding, or legal obligations beyond the designation itself.

• Section 1 adds new Code section 1-4-27 to Chapter 4 of Title 1, which governs Georgia holidays and observances.
• Subsection (a) lists six legislative findings about Black women's contributions to Georgia and American history and life.
• Subsection (b) formally designates April of each year as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia.
• Subsection (c) encourages government bodies, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold ceremonies and programs during April, without mandating participation.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
2. 2025-03-03House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
3. 2025-01-30House Second Readers (House)
4. 2025-01-29House First Readers (House)
5. 2025-01-28House Hopper (House)

• Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-092)Primary sponsor
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Edna Jackson (D, HD-165)
• Dewey McClain (D, HD-109)
• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-067)
• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)

• Black Women's History Month
• state holidays and observances
• Georgia legislature
• African American history