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Bill

HB 2166

Recognizing major religious holidays.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hunter Abell and 19 co-sponsors

Washington bill proposes official state recognition of major religious holidays, affecting employee leave, school calendars, and government operations across diverse faith communities.

First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
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Bill Summary · HB 2166

Legislative bill overview

HB 2166 proposes to officially recognize major religious holidays in Washington state. The bill would establish which religious observances receive formal state recognition, likely affecting state employee scheduling, school calendars, or government operations. The specific holidays to be recognized are not detailed in the available information, but the bill focuses on accommodating diverse faith traditions.

Why is this important

Religious holiday recognition affects practical matters like whether state employees can take paid leave for observances, whether schools close, and whether government services operate normally. This impacts workers' ability to practice their faith, workplace equity across different religious communities, and budget allocation for staffing and operations. It also signals state values regarding religious pluralism and accommodation.

Potential points of contention

  • Determining which holidays qualify: Deciding which religions and specific holidays receive recognition involves subjective choices that may favor some faith communities over others or raise Establishment Clause concerns
  • Fiscal and operational impact: Adding holidays affects state payroll costs, business continuity, school scheduling, and whether the state can meet service demands
  • Secular versus religious accommodation: Questions about whether secular holidays should be similarly recognized or whether this sets a precedent for religious influence in government operations

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

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