California officially recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha on state calendar without making them judicial holidays
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Bill No. 2017 on September 27 to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and to allow schools and community colleges to close under local agreements, while excluding the two holidays from judicial holidays.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Bill No. 2017 on September 27, officially recognizing the Islamic holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha on the state's list of legally recognized holidays.
The law states that public schools and community colleges may close during the two Eids under local agreements and existing bargaining procedures, but it does not mandate a statewide closure or automatic leave for all employees.
According to the law text posted on the California Legislature's website, eligible employees may use personal holiday balances or available leave to observe the occasions, without this meaning that all workers are automatically granted two additional days off.
Schools, government offices, and private companies are not required to close; arrangements for suspending classes or work remain subject to local decisions and relevant agreements.
The law exempts Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha from judicial holidays, so adding them to the state calendar does not lead to court closures.
Lawmakers said the aim of the legislation is to facilitate planning for vacations and absences and to reduce conflicts between academic and professional schedules and religious celebrations, while maintaining the continuity of public services.
The Council on American–Islamic Relations in California welcomed the decision, saying it addresses difficulties faced by Muslim students and employees when choosing between participating in religious celebrations and fulfilling academic or work obligations. The council noted the law allows state employees and educational institutions to observe the holidays using available leave balances and permits closing public schools and community colleges under local agreements.
The state of Washington had previously recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in 2025, with the office of its then-governor clarifying that the decision adds the occasions to the list of recognized days but does not make them paid holidays.
