SB 6044 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

This bill adds Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to Washington State's list of officially recognized days under RCW 1.16.050, specifically in section (7)(w). It does not create a paid holiday or alter employee leave policies; these days are recognized for ceremonial purposes only, similar to other designated observances like Eid al-Fitr. The recognition applies to state government practices but does not grant employees additional paid time off or change existing holiday entitlements. This change aligns with Washington's existing framework for acknowledging cultural and religious observances without legal holiday status.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Feb 17, 2026

How they voted

501
Passed
Total votes 51
Feb 17, 2026
D Democratic31
31 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican20
19 Yea 1 Nay
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
18
Key actions
8
Committee
8
Feb 25, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
SGOV - Majority; do pass.
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (50-1)
senate
Feb 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Feb 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
SGTE - Majority; do pass.
upper
Feb 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 1:30 PM.
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 1:30 PM.
upper
1 primary · 17 co-sponsors

Sponsors