Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5046: Kimchi day
Status: In committee, February 26, 2026
Designating kimchi day.
What the bill says
An act Relating to designating kimchi day; amending RCW 1.16.050; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to designating kimchi day; amending RCW 1.16.050; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that kimchi is a traditional Korean dish with a long, rich history beginning over 2,000 years ago during the time of the three kingdoms of Korea. "Kimjang," the process by which kimchi is prepared, has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by the United Nations educational, scientific, and cultural organization. Kimchi is found for sale across the United States at major retailers and is becoming an international staple as an excellent source of probiotics, filate, beta-carotene, choline, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K, many of which contribute to lower rates of stroke, cancer, and diabetes. The legislature further finds that South Korea celebrates "national kimchi day" on November 22nd, representing the 11 major ingredients and 22 health benefits of the dish. The states of California, Virginia, and Hawaii also recognize November 22nd as kimchi day. The legislature intends to join these governments by recognizing November 22nd of each year as "kimchi day." Sec. 2. RCW 1.16.050 and 2024 c 76 s 3 are each amended to read as follows: (1) The following are state legal (b) The first day of January, commonly called New Year's Day; (c) The third Monday of January, celebrated …
Sponsors
- Wilson, Jeff (R, 19) · primary sponsor
- Keith Wagoner (R)
- Robert Hasegawa (D)
- Claudia Kauffman (D)
- Perry Dozier (R)
- Javier Valdez (D)
- James McCune (R)
- Manka Dhingra (D)
- Chris Gildon (R)
- Marko Liias (D)
- T'wina Nobles (D)
- Vandana Slatter (D)
Latest actions
- : Senate Rules "X" file.
- : Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
- : Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : Minority; without recommendation.
- : SGTE - Majority; do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 1:30 PM.
- : Public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 10:30 AM.
- : By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
- : First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
- : Prefiled for introduction.
Votes
- Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: Do pass (February 3, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: STATE DESIGNATIONS, OFFICIAL, HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES
Common questions
- What is SB5046?
- SB5046 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Kimchi day.
- What does SB5046 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to designating kimchi day; amending RCW 1.16.050; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5046?
- In committee as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Senate Rules "X" file. (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5046?
- Wilson, Jeff (R, 19), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5046?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5046&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.