Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Law Recognizing Eid Holidays

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2017 into law on September 10, formally recognizing the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The legislation makes California the second US state to take this action, following Washington in 2025.

Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney in partnership with Muslim community organizations, the law allows state and school employees to use existing paid leave or holiday credits to observe the festivals. While the measure does not mandate paid days off or require the closure of government offices and courts, it authorizes K-12 schools and community colleges to close for the observances through locally negotiated agreements.

Supporters, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, state the law removes barriers for California's Muslim population, estimated between 500,000 and one million residents. Proponents argue the measure ensures that observers do not have to choose between their professional or academic obligations and their religious practices.