The new law AB 2017 is aimed at facilitating the observance of religious traditions for more than a million Muslims living in California. Students will be able to miss classes for valid reasons without academic penalties, and eligible state and school employees will be able to use accrued holiday hours or personal leave. Schools and colleges will also be able to close on these days if provided for by local agreements. However, the law does not automatically introduce an additional paid day off for all state employees. It also does not require the closure of businesses, schools statewide, or courts. The decision has sparked political controversy. Some Republican Party representatives have accused Newsom of giving special attention to Muslim holidays amid discussions of his potential presidential ambitions in 2028. In particular, Elizabeth Barcohana, chair of the California Republican Party's Jewish community outreach, criticized the decision in a comment to JNS. However, the assertion that California authorities have granted privileges exclusively to Muslim holidays would be inaccurate. On September 30, Newsom also signed AB 395, which pertains to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and holidays of other religions. The law provides measures to avoid conflicts between important state or educational events and religious dates. The fact of signing AB 395 is confirmed by the official website of the Governor of California.
