SACRAMENTO: California has formally recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in state law after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2017, establishing the two Islamic festivals as recognized state holidays.
The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, allows eligible state employees to use their existing paid leave credits to observe Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The measure does not require every private-sector employer to close on the two occasions.
The law also provides for Eid-related closures at public schools and community colleges where permitted under existing local agreements and policies. This means the new designation does not automatically result in all schools, colleges or private businesses across California closing for Eid.
Governor Newsom signed AB 2017 on September 27, 2026, according to the governor’s official legislative update.
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) welcomed the legislation, saying California is home to more than one million Muslims and that the measure addresses challenges faced by people seeking to observe Eid while meeting school or workplace obligations.
The recognition places Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha on California’s state holiday framework while leaving the practical arrangements for employees, schools and other institutions subject to applicable leave policies, local agreements and employment rules.