HB 1471
AN ACT relating to the designation of Diwali and Dashain as optional
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
This Texas bill adds Diwali and Dashain as optional holidays for state employees, allowing workers to take one day off during each of these significant South Asian cultural and religious festivals. State employees can select which specific day of Diwali or Dashain they wish to observe as a holiday, providing flexibility for those who celebrate these important cultural events. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, recognizing the growing diversity of Texas's workforce and respecting cultural observances.
Bill Text
relating to the designation of Diwali and Dashain as optional BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 662.003(c), Government Code, is amended (c) An "optional holiday" includes only: (1) the days on which Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, or (2) one day of the Diwali festival selected by the state employee observing the optional holiday; and (3) one day of the Dashain festival selected by the state employee observing the optional holiday [falls]. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the designation of Diwali and Dashain as optional
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.