Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5950: Nonlegal state holidays
Status: In committee, February 26, 2026
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and Vaisakhi.
What the bill says
An act Relating to celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and Vaisakhi; reenacting and amending RCW 1.16.050; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and Vaisakhi; reenacting and amending RCW 1.16.050; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that many religious minorities are living in increased fear and isolation and are victims of increased incidents of bias and hate. Recognizing important holidays is one way to help communities feel seen, valued, and respected. At a time in which there is increased hate speech and more attacks on religious groups, saying that Washington is a home for all, and that we value and respect you and your community's contributions, is more important than ever. By expanding the list of nonlegal state holidays, the state helps recognize and celebrate the many faiths, heritages, and cultures of Washingtonians. Sec. 2. RCW 1.16.050 and 2025 c 58 s 1001 and 2025 c 30 s 1 are each reenacted and 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 as the anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr.; (d) The third Monday of February, to be known as Presidents' Day and celebrated as the anniversary of the births of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington; (e) The last Monday …
Sponsors
- Adrian Cortes (D) · primary sponsor
- Emily Alvarado (D, 34)
- John Braun (R)
- Manka Dhingra (D)
- Robert Hasegawa (D)
- Marko Liias (D)
- T'wina Nobles (D)
- Marcus Riccelli (D)
- Jesse Salomon (D)
- Derek Stanford (D)
- Javier Valdez (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 1:30 PM.
- : 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): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES
Common questions
- What is SB5950?
- SB5950 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Nonlegal state holidays.
- What does SB5950 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and Vaisakhi; reenacting and amending RCW 1.16.050; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5950?
- In committee as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Senate Rules "X" file. (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5950?
- Adrian Cortes (D), with 10 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5950?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5950&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.