Representative Carl O. Sherman says âMake Juneteenth a state holidayâ HB 736 Encourages Passage of Juneteenth Holiday Austin, Texas â Juneteenth was recognized in the State of Texas as an official holiday on January 1, 1980. Currently however, the holiday is considered only a partial staffing holiday and government offices do not officially close on June 19th allowing instead for employees to officially celebrate only by choosing it as one of four optional holidays recognized by Texas. State Representative Carl O. Shermanâs (D-109) House Bill 736 encourages the passage of ...