New California Bill will Recognize Eid as an Official State Holiday

SAN FRANCISCO — During the month of Ramadan, Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), alongside community leaders, advocates, and fellow elected officials, today introduced AB 2017, legislation that would formally recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state-recognized holidays in California.

Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity, and compassion for Muslims around the world. Yet despite California being one of the most diverse states in the nation, the two most important holidays for Muslim Californians still receive no formal recognition in state law.

By contrast, holidays rooted in other major faith traditions, such as Christmas, Easter, and Hanukkah, are widely acknowledged through public observances, school closures, or official recognition.

“California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect,” Haney said. “No student should have to choose between celebrating one of the holiest days of their faith and showing up to school, and no worker should feel they have to sacrifice their religious observance. AB 2017 is about making sure Muslim Californians are seen, valued, and treated with the same dignity as every other community in our state.”

California has more than 500,000 Muslim residents, including students, educators, healthcare workers, engineers, small business owners, and public employees who help keep the state’s communities and economy running. Yet when Eid arrives each year, many Muslim students and workers must take extraordinary steps simply to observe one of the most sacred days of their faith.

Students are forced to make the choice between observing one of the holiest days in their faith and missing classes, exams, or school events, while workers often feel pressure to use vacation days or request special permission to celebrate with their families.

AB 2017 would formally recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California statute and ensure that Muslim Californians can observe these holidays without penalty. The bill guarantees excused absences for students observing Eid and allows workers to use existing paid leave to take the day off.

Advocates say the bill would send an important message of inclusion and belonging at a time when Muslim communities continue to face discrimination and rising Islamophobia across the country.

“As someone who has spent decades working to bridge the gap between our communities and the halls of government, I know how much this recognition matters,” said Hala Hijazi, Founder of the Muslim Impact Council. “AB 2017 is a historic step toward a California that truly sees and values its Muslim community. By recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, we are affirming that equity, dignity, and belonging must be lived realities for Muslim Californians. This vital legislation will help position California as a leader in religious inclusion.”

Community leaders emphasized that the bill reflects California’s broader commitment to religious inclusion and cultural recognition.

“California’s strength comes from the diversity of the people who call it home, and we are home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country,” said Commissioner Tahra Goraya of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. “Eid is a holiday that brings families and communities together in celebration, reflection, and generosity. AB 2017 is a meaningful step toward honoring Muslim Californians and ensuring their traditions are reflected in the story of our state.”

Advocates also noted that the legislation comes at a time when many Muslim families are observing Ramadan while also worrying about loved ones living in regions facing conflict and hardship abroad.

“This is a historic moment for California's over half a million Muslims. The climate of heightened fear and anti-Muslim hostility in our country remains a daily reality,” said Oussama Mokeddem, Legislative and Government Affairs Director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations California (CAIR-CA). “In this environment, publicly celebrating this holiday is a powerful way for California to show Muslim constituents that their joy, traditions, and presence in our state are deeply valued and protected.”

AB 2017 is sponsored by the Muslim Impact Council, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), and the Council on American-Islamic Relations California (CAIR-CA).

Advocates, community leaders, and elected officials say recognizing Eid in state law is a long-overdue step toward ensuring Muslim Californians can celebrate their most sacred holidays without barriers—and that their faith and traditions are recognized as part of California’s diverse fabric.

AB 2017 will be heard in the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee and the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement in the coming weeks.