Juneteenth, June 19, Becomes a State-Recognized Holiday in Minnesota

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Mark Schulz

Minnesota now recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday. Employers should review collective bargaining agreements and policies to ensure compliance with the new law.

A bill (HF 48) establishing Juneteenth as a state-recognized holiday was passed and signed into law early in the legislative session. The new law was set to go into effect on Aug. 1. However, a provision in the state and local government omnibus bill (HF 1830) changed the effective date to make the new holiday effective before June 19 of this year, requiring the day be observed.

About Juneteenth

June 19 is the date slavery is generally understood to have been fully abolished in the United States, following the first public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on June 19, 1865.  Previous law recognized Juneteenth as an official state observance on the third Saturday in June. The law’s revision now recognizes Juneteenth on June 19.  A law establishing Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday was enacted in 2021.

Action steps

In general, public business may not be conducted on a state holiday. Juneteenth has already been negotiated and recognized as a paid holiday within the collective bargaining and compensation plan process that applies primarily to state employees in the executive branch. 

Employers may wish to review current collective bargaining agreements regarding recognized or paid holidays for any potential impacts. An employer may wish to review payroll, accounting, and other pay-based concerns for compliance issues with the new law.