House Concurrent Resolution 9

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH TWO LEGAL HOLIDAYS IN THE CONSTITUTION, IN ADDITION TO THOSE WHICH MAY BE PROVIDED BY THE LEGISLATURE IN GENERAL LAW; TO DESIGNATE THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY AS "AFRICAN AMERICAN DAY" AND AUGUST 26 AS "WOMEN'S DAY"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the following amendment to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 is proposed to the qualified electors of the state:

Amend Article 4, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, by adding a new Section 115A, to read as follows:

"Section 115A. In addition to any legal holidays established in general law enacted by the Legislature, the following days are declared to be legal holidays: (a) the last day in February, which shall be known as 'African American Day' in honor of the legacy of contributions to Mississippi made by American citizens of African descent; and (b) the twenty-sixth day of August, which shall be known as 'Women's Day' in honor of the legacy of contributions to Mississippi made by women."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this proposed amendment shall be submitted by the Secretary of State to the qualified electors at an election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November 2013, as provided by Section 273 and by general law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the explanation of this proposed amendment of the ballot shall read as follows: "This proposed amendment establishes two (2) legal holidays in the Constitution, in addition to those which may be provided by the Legislature in general law. Those holidays are 'African American Day' on the last day of February, and 'Women's Day' on August 26."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Attorney General of the State of Mississippi shall submit this resolution, immediately upon adoption by the Legislature, to the Attorney General of the United States or to the United States Court for the District of Columbia, in accordance with the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended.