California Assembly Bill 2017 moves to Governor's desk to recognize Islamic holidays

California Assembly Bill 2017, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney and co-authored by Senator Aisha Wahab, is moving toward Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature. The legislation seeks to officially add the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to California’s list of state holidays.

Under the proposed law, workers would be able to use existing paid leave to observe these holidays. The bill also establishes a mandatory excused-absence category for students who miss school for religious observance. Additionally, the measure allows public schools and community colleges to close for these observances through agreements with employee unions and authorizes Eid history lessons in public schools.

The bill is supported by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), and the Muslim Impact Council. Proponents argue the measure promotes equity, ensuring Muslim students and workers do not have to choose between religious practices and academic or professional responsibilities.