HB 366: State holidays; Heritage and Freedom Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day; designate April 29 of each year

This bill adds a new section to Georgia's holidays and observances law (O.C.G.A. Chapter 4 of Title 1) creating a day of recognition rather than a paid state holiday. It designates April 29 of each year as 'Heritage and Freedom Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day.' The bill's findings explain the purpose: the Former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) was a US ally during the Vietnam War, and many South Vietnamese families fled after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 and settled in Georgia. The findings note the contributions of Vietnamese Americans across Georgia life, including as teachers, doctors, farmers, business owners, and professionals. The new law would add a single Code section, 1-4-27, stating the designation. It does not create a paid holiday, close government offices, or attach any funding or enforcement mechanism.

• Adds a new Code section (1-4-27) to Georgia law designating April 29 of each year as 'Heritage and Freedom Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day.'
• States legislative findings recognizing South Vietnam's alliance with the United States and the history of Vietnamese refugees settling in Georgia after 1975.
• Creates a symbolic day of observance rather than a paid state holiday, with no office closures or funding attached.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with this designation.

Vietnamese American communities in Georgia, particularly those with ties to South Vietnam and the post-1975 refugee experience, and the state government, which would formally recognize the observance under Georgia law each year on April 29.

The bill gives official state recognition to a specific date tied to Vietnamese American history in Georgia, which could support community events, school or civic acknowledgments, and public awareness, though it carries no legal requirements, funding, or day off from work.

• Section 1 lays out legislative findings about South Vietnam's alliance with the US, the 1975 fall of Saigon, and Vietnamese American contributions to Georgia.
• Section 2 amends Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by adding new Code section 1-4-27, which designates April 29 as the observance day.
• Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws, a standard closing provision with no substantive effect here.

1. 2025-02-12House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-10House Hopper (House)

• Long Tran (D, HD-080)Primary sponsor
• Al Williams (D, HD-168)
• Bill Hitchens (R, HD-161)
• Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)
• Matt Reeves (R, HD-099)

• state holidays
• Vietnamese American heritage
• Georgia history
• cultural observances