AB 268: State holidays: Diwali.
This bill would add "Diwali" to the list of state holidays in the state, allowing community colleges and public schools to close on this day. It would also authorize state employees and certain community college and public school employees to take time off with pay to celebrate Diwali. Additionally, public schools and educational institutions would be allowed to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali. The bill would also exclude Diwali from being designated as a judicial holiday.
| Oct. 06, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 358, Statutes of 2025. |
| Oct. 06, 2025 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep. 23, 2025 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Sep. 11, 2025 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 3290.). |
| Sep. 11, 2025 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 76. Noes 0.). |
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:SEC. 2.
Section 135 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read:135.
Every full day designated as a holiday by Section 6700 of the Government Code, including that Thursday of November declared by the President to be Thanksgiving Day, is a judicial holiday, except the date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene, known as “Lunar New Year,” the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year, known as “Diwali,” April 24, known as “Genocide Remembrance Day,” September 9, known as “Admission Day,” the second Monday in October, known as “Columbus Day,” and any other day appointed by the President, but not by the Governor, for a public fast, thanksgiving, or holiday. If a judicial holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the Judicial Council may designate an alternative day for observance of the holiday. Every Saturday and the day after Thanksgiving Day are judicial holidays. Officers and employees of the courts shall observe only the judicial holidays established pursuant to this section.SEC. 3.
Section 37220.7 of the Education Code is amended to read:37220.7.
(a) In addition to the holidays prescribed in Section 37220, public schools may be closed on April 24, known as “Genocide Remembrance Day,” the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year, known as “Diwali,” and the fourth Friday in September, known as “Native American Day,” if the governing board, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Chapter 10.7 (commencing with Section 3540) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code, agrees to close schools for that purpose.SEC. 4.
Section 45203 of the Education Code is amended to read:45203.
All probationary or permanent employees that are a part of the classified service shall be entitled to the following paid holidays provided they are in a paid status during any portion of the working day immediately preceding or succeeding the holiday: January 1, February 12 known as “Lincoln Day,” the third Monday in February known as “Washington Day,” the last Monday in May known as “Memorial Day,” July 4, the first Monday in September known as “Labor Day,” November 11 known as “Veterans Day,” that Thursday in November proclaimed by the President as “Thanksgiving Day,” December 25, every day appointed by the President, or the Governor of this state, as provided for in paragraphs (11) and (12) of subdivision (a) of Section 37220 for a public fast, thanksgiving, or holiday, or any day declared a holiday under Section 1318 or 37222 for classified or certificated employees. School recesses during the Christmas, Easter, and mid-February periods shall not be considered holidays for classified employees who are normally required to work during that period. However, this shall not be construed as affecting vacation rights specified in this section. For purposes of this section, “appointed by the President” includes the President signing into law legislation that creates a nationwide federal holiday, including the legal public holidays listed in subsection (a) of Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code, but does not include Columbus Day. This definition is declaratory of existing law.SEC. 5.
Section 79020 of the Education Code is amended to read:79020.
Except as otherwise provided, the community colleges shall continue in session or close on specified holidays as follows:SEC. 6.
Section 88203 of the Education Code is amended to read:88203.
(a) (1) All probationary or permanent employees who are part of the classified service shall be entitled to the following paid holidays if they are in a paid status during any portion of the working day immediately preceding or succeeding the holiday:SEC. 7.
Section 6700 of the Government Code is amended to read:6700.
(a) The holidays in this state are:SEC. 8.
Section 19853 of the Government Code is amended to read:19853.
(a) All state employees shall be entitled to the following holidays: January 1, the third Monday in January, the third Monday in February, March 31, the last Monday in May, July 4, the first Monday in September, November 11, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, December 25, the day chosen by an employee pursuant to Section 19854, and every day appointed by the Governor of this state for a public fast, thanksgiving, or holiday.SEC. 9.
Section 19853.1 of the Government Code is amended to read:19853.1.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 19853, this section shall apply to state employees in State Bargaining Unit 5.