Bill > SB862

This bill amends the Texas Government Code to expand the list of optional holidays by adding Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the third day of Diwali to the existing set of optional holidays. Optional holidays are special days that allow certain flexibility for individuals who observe these religious or cultural celebrations. Currently, the law recognizes Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday as optional holidays, and this bill will now include two important Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son) and a specific day of Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights). The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, which gives state agencies and employers time to prepare for these new optional holiday designations. By adding these days, the bill recognizes and provides more cultural accommodation for Texas residents who observe these significant religious and cultural celebrations.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB862