Bill > HB1471

This bill amends the Texas Government Code to expand the list of optional holidays for state employees by adding Diwali and Dashain as recognized optional holidays. Specifically, the bill allows state employees to select one day from each of these cultural festivals as an optional holiday, alongside existing optional holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday. Diwali is a significant Hindu festival of lights typically celebrated in October or November, while Dashain is the most important annual festival in Nepal, usually occurring in September or October. By adding these holidays, the bill provides state employees with more flexibility to observe important cultural and religious celebrations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for implementing the new optional holiday provisions.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1471