§ 311. Legal Holidays
TITLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS § 311. Legal Holidays. The following days of each year are hereby declared as legal holidays within the Commonwealth. New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January President’s Day Third Monday in February Commonwealth Covenant Day March 24 Good Friday As Designated in the Annual Calendar Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Labor Day First Monday in September Commonwealth Cultural Day Second Monday in October Citizenship Day November 4 Veteran’s Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Constitution Day December 8 Christmas Day December 25 Source: PL 1-11, § 2; amended by U.S. Public Law 98-144 (97 Stat. 917), modified; PL 5-14, § 4; PL 5-21, § 3; PL 15-4, § 2. Commission Comment: Public Law 15-4 took effect on April 11, 2006 and contained the following findings, in addition to severability and savings clause provisions: Section 1. Findings. The Legislature finds that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a leader in the fight for justice through nonviolence. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prominent civil rights leader and fought for the equality, dignity, and freedom of all people. It is through his work and devotion that we enjoy the freedom and civility in our life everyday. Dr. King’s efforts have clearly affected the people of the Commonwealth and have benefit[t]ed directly from his visions and actions as a civil rights advocate. The U.S. Congress found it fit to declare his birthday a national holiday. Therefore, pursuant to U.S. Public Law 98-114 Section 2 (5 U.S.C. Section 6103); Dr. King’s birthday officially became a legal holiday. Although the CNMI also observed the holiday, it was subsequently repealed by CNMI Public Law 5-14. Dr. King’s efforts have clearly affected the people of the Commonwealth who have benefit[t]ed directly from his visions and actions as a civil rights advocate. Considering the importance of Dr. King’s contribution to society, it is the intent of this bill to restore the legal holiday in the Commonwealth in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and contributions to society. The Legislature further finds that Commonwealth Day, a holiday in celebration of the effective date of the CNMI Constitution and Covenant Day, a holiday in celebration of the approval of the Covenant, should be incorporated as one holiday for the reason that Commonwealth Day has a direct correlation with the establishment of the Covenant. Celebrating the two important dates together will give greater emphasis on their historical significance and possibly create greater understanding of the correlation of the Covenant and the Constitution. Therefore, it is also the purpose of this legislation to combine the two holidays as one holiday because of their similar significance.
Source: CNMI Law Revision Commission