Relative to Nowroz.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Allen and 20 co-sponsors

California designates March 21, 2026 as International Day of Nowruz and extends well-wishes, recognizing Nowruz as a cultural celebration of renewal and unity.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 28, Statutes of 2026.

#nowroz

1) Purpose and Intent

SCR 134 recognizes March 21, 2026, as the International Day of Nowruz and extends best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Nowruz to all Californians.

The resolution frames Nowruz as a long-standing, culturally significant celebration marking the vernal equinox and the new year for many communities, emphasizing themes of renewal, peace, community, reconciliation, and unity among diverse Californians.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Official Recognition: The California Legislature recognizes Nowruz as an international, cultural holiday observed on or around the vernal equinox (March 21) and designates March 21, 2026, as the International Day of Nowruz.

Congratulatory Message: The Legislature extends best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Nowruz to all residents of California.

Communication: The Secretary of the Senate is directed to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution.

Contextual Language: The resolution includes a detailed Legislative Counsel's Digest describing Nowruz’s origins, global observance, and its cultural significance across many communities (e.g., Afghan, Iranian, Central Asian groups) and notes Nowruz’s celebrations in various countries and among Americans of diverse backgrounds.

3) Affected Parties and Impact

Affected Constituents: All residents of California, with particular resonance for Afghan American, Iranian American, and other communities that observe Nowruz.

Cultural and Civic Impact:

Provides formal recognition of Nowruz by the state.
May support cultural awareness and inclusion efforts within schools, public events, and community programs around the time of the vernal equinox.
Could inform public and ceremonial calendars and help elevate Nowruz-related cultural visibility in state communications.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Referral: Introduced in 2026 and referred to the relevant Legislative committees (Romance: Rulemaking and Legislative Procedures; typical for concurrent resolutions).

Legislative History Highlights:

Read and adopted in the Senate and Assembly in early-to-mid 2026.
Passed both houses with broad support (e.g., Ayes reported at 64-0 in the Assembly action recording).
Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State on April 17, 2026.
Chaptered as Chapter 28, Statutes of 2026, effective upon publication.

Status: A ceremonial, non-binding resolution recognizing a cultural occasion and calling for goodwill; does not create new obligations or funding.

5) Supporting Information

Co-sponsors: A broad list of state legislators across multiple caucuses, reflecting cross-party and diverse community support.

Background text underscores Nowruz’s historical longevity (thousands of years), UN designation of International Nowruz Day since 2010, and Nowruz’s role in promoting renewal and unity.

This bill is primarily a ceremonial acknowledgment by the California Legislature, affirming cultural diversity and inclusivity by recognizing Nowruz and extending well-wishes to Californians during the Nowruz period. It does not entail fiscal expenditures or policy changes beyond its commemorative designation.

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