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Assembly committee advances bill to add Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha to state observance calendar
Summary
AB 2017 would add Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha to California's state holiday calendar, secure excused absences for students, and permit closures by agreement; community leaders and students urged the committee to pass the measure, which was referred to appropriations 7‑0.
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, would add Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha to the state holiday calendar, ensure excused absences for students who observe those days, allow schools and community colleges to close by negotiated agreements, and enable employees to use existing leave or personal holiday credit to observe Eid.
The bill's presenter framed the measure as aligning state recognitions with California's diverse population and improving inclusion. "By passing AB 20 17, we are updating our approach to community building," the presenter told the committee.
Students and civic leaders offered emotional testimony in support. Ahmed Rochta, a student from Natomas Charter School, said recognition would allow Muslim students to celebrate openly without feeling invisible: "This bill says something... that you belong here without any conditions." Hala Hejazi, founder and CEO of the Muslim Impact Council, described the bill as practical civic infrastructure that increases belonging and workforce stability and urged the committee to lead on the issue.
Representatives of Muslim civic groups, immigrant rights organizations and the California Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs registered support; no primary witnesses in opposition came forward during the hearing. The committee recorded a unanimous affirmative roll call and advanced the bill to the Committee on Appropriations.
Why it matters: Supporters said formal recognition reduces the burden on students and employees who currently must choose between observing religious holidays and school or work obligations, and aligns California with other jurisdictions that recognize Eid.
Outcome: The committee moved AB 2017 to appropriations with recorded unanimous votes.
