Rhode Island § 16-20-1 - Holidays and Days of Special Observance
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-20-1 — Holidays and Days of Special Observance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-20-1. Holidays and Days of Special Observance
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-20-1
§ 16-20-1. School holidays enumerated.
The first day of January (as New Year’s Day), the third Monday of January (as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), the twenty-second day of February (as Washington’s Birthday), the thirtieth day of May (as Memorial Day), the fourth day of July (as Independence Day), the twelfth day of October (as Columbus Day), the eleventh day of November (as Veterans Day), the twenty-fifth day of December (as Christmas Day), and each of these days in every year, or when any of the days falls on a Sunday, then the day following it, the first Monday of September (as Labor Day), and any other days that the governor or general assembly of this state or the president or the congress of the United States shall appoint as holidays for any purpose, days of thanksgiving, or days of solemn fast, shall be school holidays and no session of any school, except as provided in this section, in this state shall be held on any one of these days. Independent schools shall not be required to observe as a holiday the third Monday of January (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1071, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 75, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1942,
ch. 1223, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-20-1; P.L. 1980, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, §
38.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-20-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-20-1 cover?
Section 16-20-1 ("Holidays and Days of Special Observance") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-20-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-20-1" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-20-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.