HB 146: State holidays; month of April as Black Women's History Month; designate

Georgia law currently has no official month recognizing Black women's history. This bill would add a new section to Georgia's holidays and observances law (O.C.G.A. Chapter 4 of Title 1) that designates April each year as 'Black Women's History Month.' The bill includes a set of legislative findings explaining the purpose of the designation, citing Black women's contributions to Georgia in fields such as the arts, science, media, law, government, and education. 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 honoring Black women during April. The bill does not create a paid holiday, mandate any specific event, or attach funding; it repeals any conflicting laws and would take effect as a formal observance once enacted.

• Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27) designating April each year as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia.
• Includes legislative findings recognizing Black women's historical and ongoing contributions to Georgia in the arts, science, media, law, government, and education.
• Encourages, but does not require, state and local government offices, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold ceremonies and programs honoring Black women each April.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation.

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 honoring Black women's history.

If enacted, Georgia would formally recognize April as a month dedicated to Black women's history, giving schools, governments, and organizations an official basis to plan related programs and ceremonies. The bill carries no funding, mandates, or penalties, so its main effect is symbolic and educational.

• Section 1 adds new Code section 1-4-27 to Chapter 4 of Title 1, stating legislative findings about Black women's contributions to Georgia and American life.
• Subsection (b) formally designates the month of April each year as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia.
• Subsection (c) encourages (without requiring) government bodies, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold ceremonies and programs during April to honor Black women's contributions.
• Section 2 repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation.

1. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (Cámara de Representantes)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

• Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-092)Patrocinador principal
• 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 observances
• Georgia holidays
• education and awareness
• African American history