Delaware legislation · 153rd General Assembly
Delaware HB219: Diwali Day/Create Ceremonial Day
Status: Signed into law, September 24, 2026
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIWALI DAY.
What the bill says
An act to amend title 1 of the delaware code relating to diwali day.
From the introduced text, June 17, 2025:
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIWALI DAY. WHEREAS, known as the "Festival of Lights," approximately 1,000,000,000 people around the world celebrate Diwali as a day of thanksgiving and reflection; and WHEREAS, it originates from Indian culture and religion; and WHEREAS, millions of Americans celebrate Diwali each year; and WHEREAS, the festival lasts five days, with the third day marking the day celebrated as "Diwali"; and WHEREAS, Diwali falls on the 15th of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, which aligns with the new moon day of the first month of the lunar year; and WHEREAS, Diwali's celebration of light, reflection and gathering is celebrated by many Delawareans and the festival deserves official recognition. NOW, THEREFORE: Section 1. Amend Chapter 6, Title 1 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows: § 610. Diwali Day In accordance with the official day recognized by the Indian government, the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik is designated "Diwali Day." SYNOPSIS This Act designates "Diwali Day" as a ceremonial day to be commemorated appropriately annually in Delaware.
Sponsors
- Sophie Phillips (D, 18) · primary sponsor
- Kamela Smith (D, 15)
- Krista Griffith (D, 12)
- Stephanie Hansen (D, 10)
- Elizabeth Lockman (D, 3)
- Frank Burns (D, 21)
- Kendra Johnson (D, 5)
- Edward Osienski (D, 24)
- Melanie Ross Levin (D, 10)
- Kerri Harris (D, 32)
- DeShanna Neal (D, 13)
- Bryan Shupe (R, 36)
Latest actions
- : Signed by Governor
- : Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
- : Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
- : Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate
- : Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
- : Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits
- : Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House
Votes
- Passed (SM) (May 19, 2026): 21 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Passed (SM) (March 26, 2026): 40 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB219?
- HB219 is a bill in the Delaware Legislature (153rd General Assembly): Diwali Day/Create Ceremonial Day.
- What does HB219 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend title 1 of the delaware code relating to diwali day.
- What is the status of HB219?
- Signed into law as of September 24, 2026. Latest action: Signed by Governor (September 24, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB219?
- Sophie Phillips (D, 18), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB219?
- On the Delaware Legislature website: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142555
Source: official Delaware record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.