Bill to make Juneteenth legal Tennessee holiday passes House

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee House passed the bill to make Juneteenth an official state holiday on Thursday, according to the Unity Group of Chattanooga.

Senate Bill 269 or House Bill 317 just needs to be signed by Governor Bill Lee to become law.

The bill passed 61 to 18, according to the Tennessee General Assembly’s website.

It previously passed the Senate 24 to 4 on March 23.

The legislation says, “Holidays and Days of Special Observance – As introduced, changes the designation of June 19, known as “Juneteenth,” from a day of special observance to a legal holiday.”