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HB 3501

HOLIDAY-1ST DAY OF RAMADAN

104th Regular Session Introduced by Justin Slaughter

Illinois bill designates Ramadan's first day as official state holiday, recognizing Islamic observance and affecting government employee scheduling.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3501

Legislative bill overview

HB 3501 proposes to designate the first day of Ramadan as an official state holiday in Illinois. The bill would recognize this Islamic observance at the governmental level, similar to how other religious and cultural holidays are acknowledged in the state calendar.

Why is this important

Official holiday recognition can have practical implications for state employees, schools, and public services regarding time off and scheduling. It also represents symbolic acknowledgment of Illinois's Muslim population and religious diversity, which has grown significantly in recent decades.

Potential points of contention

  • Secular governance debate: Questions about whether government should officially recognize religious holidays versus secular alternatives or observances
  • Equity and precedent: Concerns about which other religious holidays (Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.) might receive similar designations and associated costs
  • Operational impact: Practical questions about how holiday designation affects state employee schedules, school calendars, and public service continuity
  • Definition specificity: The lunar calendar means Ramadan's date changes annually, creating administrative complexity for fixed holiday calendars

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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