Changes the name of the holiday on the second Monday of August from Victory Day to Peace and Remembrance Day.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change the name of a Rhode Island state holiday currently known as "Victory Day" to "Peace and Remembrance Day." The holiday falls on the second Monday of August each year. Rhode Island is the only state in the United States that still observes this holiday, which originated to mark the end of World War II following Japan's surrender in 1945.

The change would be purely a matter of the holiday's official name — the day off from work would remain the same for state employees and others who currently observe it. The bill would not eliminate the holiday or shift its date, just update what it is called on the official state calendar.

This bill would primarily affect Rhode Island residents, state employees, and businesses that recognize the holiday. Supporters of name changes like this often argue that the current name is outdated or offensive to some communities, while those who favor keeping the original name typically argue it honors the sacrifices of World War II veterans and preserves historical memory. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Special Legislation Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.