California has officially recognized Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha under state law. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2017 on September 27, 2026. The legislation adds both Islamic festivals to the state’s list of recognized holidays.
The new law introduces specific provisions for state employees, public schools, community colleges, and the judicial system. However, it does not establish two additional paid holidays for all workers across California.
The legislation aims to make religious observance easier for Muslim employees and students. It also establishes rules for using existing leave and arranging school closures during the festivals.
California Allows State Employees to Use Leave for Eid
Under the new law, eligible state employees can use eight hours of existing leave to observe Eid ul Fitr or Eid ul Adha. They can use vacation leave, annual leave, compensating time off, or personal holiday credits.
Employees must follow the conditions established under the legislation. The law does not provide every state employee with additional paid leave specifically for Eid.
This provision gives eligible workers more flexibility when planning their religious celebrations. It also allows them to use existing leave benefits for important Islamic occasions.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Eid ul Adha is associated with Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice in obedience to Allah.
Both festivals hold significant religious and cultural importance for Muslims around the world.
Public Schools and Colleges May Close for Eid
The legislation also allows public schools and community colleges to close for Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Such closures depend on approval through the applicable local arrangements.
This provision may help Muslim students participate in religious celebrations without missing scheduled classes. However, the legislation does not require every school or college to close.
Educational institutions will need to follow the relevant requirements when considering closures. The measure provides flexibility rather than making Eid an automatic school holiday throughout California.
The law also changes how the two festivals are treated within the state’s judicial system. Both Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha have been removed from California’s list of judicial holidays.
Matt Haney Supports Recognition of Islamic Festivals
Assemblymember Matt Haney introduced the legislation in the California legislature. He highlighted the state’s large Muslim community and the importance of acknowledging its religious traditions.
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) also supported the measure. The organization welcomed the law and highlighted its potential benefits for Muslim students and employees.
The provisions could help people balance their religious commitments with work and education. They also establish formal arrangements for observing the two Islamic festivals within public institutions.
What the New California Eid Law Means
California’s new law provides formal recognition for two major Islamic festivals. It introduces specific options for eligible state employees to use existing leave credits.
It also allows public schools and community colleges to close when the relevant authorities approve. The removal of both festivals from the judicial holiday list introduces another change under the legislation.
However, the law does not make Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha universal paid holidays. Private-sector employees are not automatically entitled to additional paid leave under these provisions.
The legislation establishes a framework for religious observance within California’s public institutions. Its practical impact will depend on how eligible employees and educational authorities apply the new rules.
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For Muslim communities, the measure represents formal recognition of two important religious celebrations. It also provides defined arrangements for observing Eid while meeting workplace and educational responsibilities.
