California Eid State Holidays Become Law Under AB 2017

California Eid state holidays are now officially part of state law. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2017, which adds Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to California’s list of state holidays. As a result, California becomes only the second US state to formally recognize both major Islamic holidays.

The law was filed with the California Secretary of State on September 27, 2026, as Chapter 571 of the 2026 statutes. However, the law does not create a new paid day off for everyone. Instead, it gives schools and public workers more flexibility to observe Eid.

California Eid State Holidays: What the New Law Does

Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat from San Francisco, wrote the bill. He introduced it in March 2026, during the month of Ramadan.

The law makes three main changes. First, it adds Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to the state holiday list. Second, it allows public schools and community colleges to close on Eid through locally negotiated agreements. Third, it lets eligible state employees use existing leave to take the day off.

At the same time, the law sets clear limits. For example, the two Eid days are not judicial holidays, so state courts will remain open. In addition, private employers do not have to give workers time off for Eid.

How California Eid State Holidays Affect Schools and Colleges

Under the law, K-12 public schools and community colleges may close for Eid. However, closure is not automatic. Instead, each district or college must reach a local agreement before it can close on these days.

Because of this, families should not expect every school to close on Eid in 2027. Rather, parents should check with their local school district for its calendar and policy.

What the Eid Holiday Law Means for State Workers

State employees now have a clearer way to observe Eid. Specifically, eligible workers can choose to use vacation time, annual leave, compensating time off, or personal holiday credit on Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.

In other words, the law does not add extra paid holidays. Instead, it formally connects Eid to the leave options that state workers already have. As a result, Muslim employees may find it easier to request the day without feeling singled out.

Why California Recognized Eid as a State Holiday

Supporters say the law addresses a long-standing problem. For years, many Muslim students and workers had to choose between celebrating Eid with their families and attending school or work.

California has more than one million Muslim residents, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). That makes the state home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the country. Many of these families come from South Asia, including a sizable Bangladeshi community in Southern California.

“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 when he introduced the bill.

Support and Criticism of the Eid Holiday Bill

The bill received strong support in the state legislature. The Assembly first passed it by a vote of 64 to 1 in late May. Later, on August 30, the Senate approved it, and the Assembly agreed to the Senate’s changes by a vote of 62 to 3.

Three groups co-sponsored the bill: CAIR’s California chapter, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, and the Muslim Impact Council. Former State Senator Aisha Wahab was among the principal coauthors.

After the signing, CAIR California leader Hussam Ayloush welcomed the law. He said it sends a strong message that the state stands with its Muslim community.

Not everyone supported the measure, though. The California Family Council, a Christian advocacy group, raised concerns about the school provisions. The group argued that allowing schools to close for a religious holiday goes too far and questioned where the state would draw the line on future religious holidays.

California Joins Washington in Recognizing Eid

Washington became the first US state to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays in 2025. Now, California has followed.

Moreover, the new law continues a recent trend in California. The state has already given formal recognition to other community holidays, such as Lunar New Year and Diwali.

When Are the Eid Holidays in 2027?

Both Eid holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar. Therefore, their dates move about 10 to 11 days earlier each year on the regular calendar.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. In 2027, it is expected around March 9 or 10. Meanwhile, Eid al-Adha, which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God, is expected around May 16 or 17, 2027. Final dates depend on moon sighting.

What Happens Next

Next, school districts and community colleges will decide whether to negotiate Eid closures. Likewise, state agencies will guide employees on how to use leave for the new holidays.

For Muslim families across California, including Bangladeshi Americans, the law offers formal recognition for the first time. Even so, the real impact will depend on how local schools and employers put it into practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Eid now a state holiday in California?
Yes. AB 2017 adds Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to California’s list of state holidays. The law was filed on September 27, 2026.

Q2. Will all California schools close on Eid?
No. Public schools and community colleges may close only through locally negotiated agreements. Parents should check their district’s calendar.

Q3. Do private employers have to give workers Eid off?
No. The law does not require private employers to give time off for Eid.

Q4. Do California state workers get a paid day off for Eid?
Not an extra one. Eligible state employees can use vacation, annual leave, compensating time off, or personal holiday credit on Eid.

Q5. Which US states recognize Eid as a state holiday?
Washington became the first in 2025. California is now the second.