Bill > HB2166

This bill recognizes the importance of accommodating diverse religious practices by amending the existing state law on legal holidays to explicitly acknowledge several Christian and Jewish religious holidays. The bill adds new recognized days, including Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, Good Friday, Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, to the list of state-recognized days. Additionally, it includes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha from the Islamic calendar. While these newly recognized days are not considered legal holidays for purposes like time off work, they are officially acknowledged by the state legislature as a way to promote inclusivity and respect for diverse faith communities in Washington state. The bill maintains the existing provisions for state employees, who are already entitled to two unpaid holidays per year for religious observances, and does not change the existing paid holiday structure. This addition reflects a broader effort to recognize and celebrate the cultural and religious diversity of Washington state's residents.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2166&Year=2025&Initiative=false