Senate backs AB 20 17 to recognize Eid as a state holiday

Sen. Wahab presented AB 20 17 on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, saying the bill recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provides "formal and meaningful recognition while preserving flexibility for schools, public employees, and the courts." She noted California’s large Muslim population and argued the change would provide predictability for academic calendars and staffing decisions.

Wahab said public schools and community colleges would retain local control over whether to close and that state employees could elect holiday credit in place of existing personal holiday leave. Multiple senators spoke in support on the floor, highlighting fairness, belonging and the practical benefit for students. The measure passed on concurrence in the session.