California Formally Recognizes Eid as State Holidays

In a landmark decision for American Muslims, California has officially added Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to its list of recognized state holidays. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2017 (AB 2017) on September 28, 2026, making California the second US state, following Washington, to formally recognize both sacred Islamic occasions.

Authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, AB 2017 was co-sponsored by CAIR-California (CAIR-CA) and the Muslim Impact Council. (Note: "2017" refers to the bill number, not the year it was passed). Home to more than one million Muslims, California hosts one of the largest Muslim populations in the nation.

What the New Law Means in Practice

• State Employees: State workers can elect to receive up to eight hours of holiday credit for Eid rather than using their personal holiday credits.
• Schools and Colleges: K-12 public schools and community colleges are authorized to close on Eid through locally negotiated agreements. While it is not an automatic mandatory day off for every district. Schools that observe this holiday can integrate educational lessons on the meaning of Eid.
• Private Employers: Private companies are not legally required to provide time off under the state bill, so employees should still plan their leave requests in advance.
• Cultural Representation: Eid now joins Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Native American Day on California's official state calendar.

Why This Recognition Matters

This legislation marks a significant step forward in recognizing religious diversity and honoring California's growing Muslim community. For nearly a million residents, the law makes it easier for families to take time off to celebrate Eid al-Fitr following Ramadan and Eid al-Adha following the completion of Hajj without compromising their work or academic obligations.