Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 268, officially recognizing Diwali as a California state holiday. State employees can take paid time off, and schools may celebrate the festival. The move honors the Indian American community and promotes cultural inclusivity across the state

California's Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday (local time) officially added Diwali to the state's list of holidays by signing Assembly Bill 268 into law. The bill would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on "Diwali," as specified. The bill would authorize state employees to elect to take, and would authorize certain community college and public school employees to be given, time off with pay in recognition of " Diwali ," as specified.

The bill would authorize public schools and educational

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