California's Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday (local time) officially added Diwali to the state's list of holidays by signing Assembly Bill 268 into law. The bill would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on "Diwali," as specified. The bill would authorize state employees to elect to take, and would authorize certain community college and public school employees to be given, time off with pay in recognition of "Diwali," as specified.

The bill would authorize public schools and educational institutions throughout the state to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali, as specified. Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to President Biden for AANHPI Commision, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated advocate for the Indian American community, lauded the judgement.