_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REVISING THE DATE OF AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY; AMENDING SECTIONS 1-1-228 AND 20-1-306, MCA; and PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 1-1-228, MCA, is amended to read:

"1-1-228. American Indian heritage day. There is established an American Indian heritage day for the state of Montana. American Indian heritage day is the last Friday in September October 12 of each year and is recognized as a day of observance to commemorate this state's American Indians and their valued heritage and culture. On this day, all Montanans are urged to:

(1)        reflect on American Indian culture and heritage; and

(2)        celebrate American Indians and their culture and heritage in all lawful ways."

Section 2. Section 20-1-306, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-1-306. Commemorative exercises on certain days. (1) All districts shall conduct appropriate exercises during the school day on the following commemorative days:

(a)        Lincoln's Birthday (February 12);

(b)        Washington's Birthday (February 22);

(c)        Arbor Day (last Friday in April);

(d)        Flag Day (June 14);

(e)        Citizenship Day (September 17);

(f)         American Indian Heritage Day (fourth Friday in September October 12);

(g)        Columbus Day (October 12);

(h)        Pioneer Day (November 1);

(i)         other days designated by the legislature or governor as legal holidays.

(2)        When these commemorative days fall on Saturday or Sunday, exercises may be conducted the preceding Friday."

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Notification to tribal governments. The secretary of state shall send a copy of [this act] to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana.

NEW SECTION. Section 4. Effective date. [This act] is effective July 1, 2023.