New Holiday Decision Concerned with Muslims in California!
With AB 2017 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha were added to California's official holiday calendar.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the AB 2017 law, which adds the Muslim holidays known as Eid al-Fitr, the Ramadan festival, and Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, to the state's official holiday calendar, on September 27, 2026. The law was also included in the signature announcement issued by the California Government.
Both Holidays on the State Calendar
Under the new regulation, Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, and Eid al-Adha, the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, were added to California's official state holiday list. Thus, the two major Islamic festivals are now explicitly recognized in state law.
Affects More Than a Million Muslims
The legislative text of AB 2017 notes that California hosts one of the country's largest and most diverse Muslim communities, with up to one million Muslims in the state. The law also highlights the regular spikes in absenteeism among students and public employees during the holiday periods.
School Closure Option
The regulation also provides the possibility of closing public schools and community colleges on Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha. However, the closure of schools does not automatically imply a holiday; it must be decided within the framework of the relevant local administration and collective agreement procedures.
Employee Leave Arrangement
Under the law, state employees and school staff will be permitted to use their existing vacation or personal leave days for holidays, subject to specified conditions. The regulation also contains provisions that allow workers to take leave according to dates set by their own religious communities, since the dates of religious holidays shift each year.
Official Recognition Scope
AB 2017 provides for Eid holidays to be recognized in the state’s civil holiday calendar. According to the law’s text, this designation does not require courts, state agencies, public schools, community colleges, or private businesses to close automatically.
Regulation That Draws Attention in the U.S.
The new regulation in California brings an official recognition of Islamic holidays in the state's public calendar while also preserving local decision-making mechanisms. It was adopted during the 2017-2026 legislative session and came into force on September 27, 2026.
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