Hyderabad, Sept. 29 -- California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill recognising Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in state law, allowing eligible state and school employees to use existing leave to observe the Islamic festivals.

Assembly Bill 2017 (AB 2017), authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, was signed into law on Monday, September 28. The measure also allows K-12 schools and community colleges to close for Eid through locally negotiated agreements.

Under the new law, state and school employees can use personal holiday credits or other existing leave to observe Eid without having to take unpaid time off.

"California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recog...