Governor Newsom Signs Laws Advancing Religious Equity and Inclusion in Schools and Across California

AB 395 and AB 1763 ensure students and community members can observe their religious holidays while participating fully in school and public life

SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed into law two bills sponsored by Jewish California (formerly JPAC) that protect religious observance and inclusion for all Californians: Assembly Bill 395 and Assembly Bill 1763.

About AB 395

AB 395, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), requires state agencies, K-12 schools, and public colleges and universities to make every reasonable effort to avoid scheduling major events – first days of school, final exams, graduations, and public hearings – on religious holidays. The bill also codifies Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover in California statute for the first time, alongside Eid, Diwali, and other prominent holidays.

It passed the Assembly 77-0, with 2 abstentions, and Senate unanimously, 40-0.

"AB 395 ends a quiet but persistent form of exclusion – the choice too many Californians have faced between practicing their faith and fully participating in school and civic life," said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California (formerly JPAC). "It's also the first time Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and other faiths' religious holidays will be recognized in California statute. We thank Governor Newsom, the California Legislature, Assemblymember Gabriel for his leadership, and the remarkably diverse coalition of labor, education, and interfaith partners – including 62 Jewish organizations – who came out in support."

"California is immensely proud of our diversity, and Californians of all faiths and backgrounds should be able to fully participate in public life," said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. "For too long and in too many communities, religious minorities and other people of faith have been asked to make difficult choices on the days that matter most to them. This legislation would help to prevent that injustice, and ensure that Californians of all backgrounds can fully participate, particularly when important decisions are being made."

The bill passed every committee and floor vote unanimously and carries zero recorded opposition – but it took nearly two years to reach this point. AB 395 was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee for a full year over technical concerns, and only advanced after sustained community advocacy, just days before a deadline that would have killed it outright.

About AB 1763

AB 1763, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose), guarantees K-12 students an excused absence for religious holidays and ceremonies, removing the prior requirement of written parental request and principal approval – 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.

It passed the Assembly 73-0, with 7 abstentions, and the Senate unanimously, 40-0. AB 1763 earned the support of the California Federation of Teachers, California Catholic Conference, Intercultural Networks Group, and 59 Jewish organizations.

"No student should have to ask permission to practice their faith," said Bocarsly. "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 Governor Newsom, 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 was signed by the Governor after passing the Legislature with bipartisan support."

Both laws take effect January 1, 2027.

Follow the status of all Jewish California bills at our Policy Agenda Tracker: https://tracker.jewishcal.org/