FRED KOREMATSU DAY                                                                       S.B. 18:

                                                                                         SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                         REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 18 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Stephanie Chang

Committee:  Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety

CONTENT

The bill would amend Public Act 225 of 2003, which designates Cesar E. Chavez Day, Gerald R. Ford Day, and Henry Ford Day, to designate January 30 of each year as "Fred Korematsu Day".

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Proposed MCL 435.304

BRIEF RATIONALE

Fred Korematsu was born on January 30, 1919, and was an American citizen of Japanese ancestry. He was affected by President Roosevelt's Executive Order No. 9066, which required all Americans of Japanese ancestry to be placed in internment camps. Mr. Korematsu defied the Order and was arrested but appealed his case all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled against him. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 for his contributions made to civil rights during his defiance. Some people believe that his work in speaking out against internment camps should receive more recognition. Accordingly, it has been suggested that January 30 be designated as "Fred Korematsu Day".

PREVIOUS LEGISLATION

(Please note: The information in this summary provides a cursory overview of previous legislation and its progress. It does not provide a comprehensive account of all previous legislative efforts on the relevant subject matter.)

The bill is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 65 from the 2021-2022 Legislative Session.

                                                            Legislative Analyst:  Tyler P. VanHuyse

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  3-6-23                                    Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.  

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.