What's happening
This bill designates March 10th as Harriet Tubman Day, adding it to New York's list of public holidays.
Why it matters
Recognizing Harriet Tubman with an official state holiday elevates her legacy. in New York, highlighting her contributions to abolition, the Underground Railroad, and civil rights, and signaling an ongoing commitment to honoring Black history.
The addition of Harriet Tubman Day to the list of public holidays could impact schools, government offices, and businesses. , who may close or alter operations on March 10th, affecting work schedules and public services.
This amendment actively places Tubman alongside other major American historical figures. (like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Lincoln) in the state’s official calendar, potentially influencing educational curricula and public awareness.
The law’s symbolic value may foster deeper community engagement and reflection. , offering opportunities for statewide events, educational programming, and discussions about New York’s role in the abolitionist movement and the broader civil rights struggle.
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Make Harriet Tubman Day Holiday
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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History
- Referred to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Make Harriet Tubman Day Holiday
In Assembly Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor J. Gary Pretlow
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3492
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 23, 2017
Introduced by Sen. BAILEY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Judiciary
AN ACT to amend the general construction law, in relation to the designation of Harriet Tubman day
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 24 of the general construction law, as amended by chapter 347 of the laws of 1984, is amended to read as follows:
§ 24. Public holidays; half-holidays. The term public holiday includes the following days in each year: the first day of January, known as New Year's day; the third Monday of January, known as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day; the twelfth day of February, known as Lincoln's birthday; the third Monday in February, known as Washington's birthday; the tenth day of March, known as Harriet Tubman day; the last Monday in May, known as Memorial day; the second Sunday in June, known as Flag day; the fourth day of July, known as Independence day; the first Monday in September, known as Labor day; the second Monday in October, known as Columbus day; the eleventh day of November, known as Veterans' day; the fourth Thursday in November, known as Thanksgiving day; and the twentyfifth day of December, known as Christmas day, and if any of such days except Flag day is Sunday, the next day thereafter; each general election day, and each day appointed by the president of the United States or by the governor of this state as a day of general thanksgiving, general fasting and prayer, or other general religious observances. The term half-holiday includes the period from noon to midnight of each Saturday which is not a public holiday.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05219-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general construction law, in relation to the designation of Harriet Tubman day
Purpose or general idea of bill
The primary purpose of this legislation is to establish a public holiday that commemorates Harriet Tubman, her life achievements and her pivotal role in the 'Underground Railroad". The legislation will designate the tenth of March of each year, to be known as Harriet Tubman Day.
Summary of specific provisions
This legislation will make the tenth of March of each year a public holiday, to be known as Harriet Tubman Day.
Read the full memo (887 words)
Justification
Harriet Ross Tubman was an American heroine and patriot, who faithfully served her country and liberated her people. Her tireless efforts to attain freedom for those enslaved, and hem dedication to stop the inhumane practice of slavery should be recognized and celebrated. It is only fitting to pay tribute to an American heroine, who sacrificed everything for the wellbeing of her people and country. The creation of a state holiday, that recognizes the lifetime achievements and the historical legacy established by Harriet Tubman, throughout New York State is befitting.
Harriet Ross Tubman, the great American abolitionist, was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland around 1820, on a Plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland. As in the case of many slaves, Harriet Tubman was put to work as a field hand at an early age. Because of her color and her status as a slave, she was denied the opportunity to learn to read or write. Nevertheless, Harriet Tubman was able to rise above the limitations that were placed on her as a slave and as a black woman.
In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped to the North and settled in Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, Harriet Tubman met William Still, the Philadelphia Stationmaster of the "Underground Railroad", It was William Still along with the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society that introduced Harriet Tubman to the inner workings of the "underground Railroad". The "underground Railroad" was a network of families and people that offered their assistance, food or shelter to slaves, during their escape to the north.
One year after her escape, Harriet Tubman became a conductor (guide who led escaped slaves to freedom) on the "Underground Railroad". In 1851, Harriet Tubman relocated members of her family to North Street in St. Catherines Ontario, Canada. This eventually became her headquarters for the "Underground Railroad". In the ensuing years, Harriet Tubman became one of the most influential conductors. In the mid 1850s Harriett Tubman made the acquaintance of United states Senator, Secretary of State and former New York State Governor William H. Seward and his wife Frances in Auburn, New York. The Sewards in 1857, provided a home for Harriet Tubman in Auburn, New York, which was later sold to her. This new home was to become her new base of operations for the Underground Railroad.
When the Civil War began, Harriet Tubman was able to liberate several hundreds of her people to freedom, via the "Underground Railroad". As the most influential conductor in the "Underground Railroad", Harriet Tubman helped free approximately 300 slaves. Harriet Tubman was proud to claim that, "she never ran her train off the track and never lost a passenger." When the Civil War began, Harriet Tubman served as a cook in the Union Army in South Carolina, a nurse, a scout for raiding parties, and a spy behind confederate lines. After her service to the Union army, Harriet Tubman returned to Auburn, New York where she lived the remaining years of her life.
In 1903, Harriet Tubman transferred ownership of her property to the A.M.E. Zion Church. After her death in March 1913, the church developed and managed her home and adjacent property in order to sustain her memory. Harriet Tubman was buried in Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York with full military honors. Currently, the Harriet Tubman home and property are registered as National Historic Landmarks in Auburn, New York. The site is also part of the National Parks Service Freedom Trail.
Harriet Tubman was many things to many people, but to the black slave she was considered to be the "Black Moses" who delivered to them the "buried promise of freedom". Harriet Tubman through her actions and life embodied the true essence of service, spirit and strength. It is estimated that through her service about 300 slaves were able to attain their freedom. Because of her spirit, countless slaves were given hope and through her strength and conviction, she was compelled to risk her own freedom so that other slaves could experience freedom. Through the establishment of a state holiday, this legislation aims to ensure that the rich historical legacy and life achievements of Harriet Tubman are recognized and celebrated throughout New York State.
Prior legislative history
1999-00: S.6218/A.9200(Eve)- Passed Assembly referred to Judiciary 2001-02: S.2203/A.4090(Eve)- Passed Assembly referred to Judiciary 2003-04: A.4942(Pretlow)- Referred to Judiciary 2005-06: A.3024(Pretlow)- Referred to Judiciary 2007-08: A.5220(Pretlow)- Referred to Judiciary 2009-10: S.4027/A.3416-B(Pretlow)- Committed to Finance 2011-12: S.971/A.2623(Pretlow)- Committed to Rules 2013-14: S.3353/A.3155(Pretlow)- Referred to Judiciary 2015-16: S.2038/A.2087(Pretlow)- Referred to Judiciary
Fiscal implications for state and local government
Undetermined.
Effective date
This legislation will take effect on the first of January, next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.