AB 268: State holidays: Diwali.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law designates specific days as holidays in this state. Existing law designates holidays on which community colleges and public schools are authorized to close pursuant to a memorandum of understanding between the governing board and represented employees, including “Native American Day” on the 4th Friday in September. Existing law entitles state employees, with specified exceptions, and authorizes certain community college and public school employees, to be given time off with pay for specified holidays, as specified.

This bill would add “Diwali” to the list of state holidays. The bill would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on “Diwali,” as specified. The bill would authorize state employees to elect to take, and would authorize certain community college and public school employees to be given, time off with pay in recognition of “Diwali,” as specified. The bill would authorize public schools and educational institutions throughout the state to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali, as specified.

Existing law adopts state holidays as judicial holidays, with certain exceptions, including Admission Day and Columbus Day.

This bill would add “Diwali” to the list of holidays that are excluded from designation as a judicial holiday.

This bill would make related findings and declarations.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 11

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. October 6, 2025Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 358, Statutes of 2025.
2. October 6, 2025Approved by the Governor.
3. September 23, 2025Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
4. September 11, 2025Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 3290.).
5. September 10, 2025In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
6. September 10, 2025Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 2796.).
7. August 29, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
8. August 29, 2025From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 29).
9. August 18, 2025In committee: Referred to suspense file.
10. July 9, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (July 9). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
11. June 24, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on ED. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on ED.
12. June 13, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on G.O.