California Legislature Passes AB 1763, Guaranteeing Students an Excused Absence for Religious Holidays

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislature today gave final approval to Assembly Bill 1763, guaranteeing K-12 students an excused absence for religious holidays and ceremonies. The bill passed the Senate floor unanimously (40-0) and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature. AB 1763 passed the Assembly floor earlier this year 73-0, with 7 Assemblymembers not voting.

Authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) and sponsored by Jewish California (formerly JPAC), AB 1763 removes the current requirement that a parent submit a written request and obtain principal approval before a student’s religious absence is excused – a hurdle not required for absences due to bereavement, illness, mental health, or civic and cultural ceremonies. An excused absence lets a student make up missed assignments and exams for full credit within a reasonable time. An unexcused one carries no such protection, and can drag down a student's grades.

“No student should have to ask permission to practice their faith,” said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California. “This bill simply treats religious holidays the same way as cultural ceremonies, illness, and mental health, giving families the peace of mind that they can observe without fear of penalties at school. We’re grateful to Assemblymember Lee for championing this, and to the legislators in both houses who passed it without a single ‘no’ vote.”

“AB 1763 recognizes the state’s rich diversity by providing academic protections for students to observe religious holidays and ceremonies,” said Assemblymember Alex Lee. “California is home to a wide range of religious beliefs, and the bill enables schools to better accommodate students for their religious traditions. It ensures students have the opportunity to receive full academic credit for missed assignments and tests, just as they do in excused absences for cultural ceremonies, political events, and medical appointments. I am proud that the bill passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.”

AB 1763 has the support of the California Federation of Teachers, California Catholic Conference, Intercultural Networks Group, and 59 Jewish organizations.

The bill now goes to Governor Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto.