California is all set to recognize Diwali as a public holiday with an official bill passed by both the state Senate and Assembly now awaiting only Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature to become law.
The ‘AB 268 Bill’ was approved by the Senate on Sep 10, with 36 votes in favor and four against. The Assembly approved it on Sep. 11, with a 76-4 vote, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). HAF also appreciated Dr. Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra for leading the effort to declare Diwali as a public holiday.
The bill amends sections of the Code of Civil Procedure, Education Code, and Government Code to grant state employees the option of taking paid leave on Diwali…