Assembly adopts resolution recognizing Lunar New Year
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The California State Assembly adopted House Resolution 80 on Feb. 17, 2026, recognizing Lunar New Year and its cultural significance; the resolution drew support from multiple caucuses and was adopted by voice after 62 members were listed as coauthors.
The California State Assembly on Feb. 17, 2026, adopted House Resolution 80 recognizing Lunar New Year and marking the Year of the Fire Horse.
Assemblymember Fong, the author of HR 80, presented the resolution to the floor and asked members for an affirmative vote. "I respectfully ask for an I vote on HR 80 and wish everyone a prosperous, healthy, joyous year of the horse," Fong said during remarks introducing the measure.
HR 80 affirms the cultural traditions associated with Lunar New Year — also called the Spring Festival, Seollal, or Tet — and highlights the role of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in California. Fong told members that California was the first state to recognize Lunar New Year as an official state holiday and noted that "over 7,000,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders reside in California," a point she raised to underscore the resolution's statewide relevance.
Members from multiple caucuses rose to support the measure. Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez noted the holiday's longstanding traditions and the "renewing energy" of the new year; Assemblymember Ransom, speaking for the California Legislative Black Caucus, urged members to "honor Lunar New Year" as a time of community and renewal; Assemblymember Berman spoke on behalf of the Jewish caucus in support of HR 80; Assemblymember Carrillo offered remarks for the Latino Legislative Caucus; and Assemblymember Ramos, as chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus, also asked colleagues to join in recognizing the holiday.
Clerk announced that 62 members were added as coauthors. Without objection, the Assembly took a voice vote and the ayes were declared; the resolution was adopted. After the vote, Fong noted that members would find small packaged refreshments on their desks in celebration of the holiday.
The resolution is a ceremonial recognition and does not create binding law. The Assembly returned to scheduled committee meetings and adjourned until the next floor session.