SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2209
As of February 12, 2024
Title: An act relating to celebrating lunar new year.
Brief Description: Celebrating lunar new year.
Sponsors: Representatives Thai, Ryu, Gregerson, Senn, Santos, Ramel, Reeves, Morgan, Reed, Fosse, Cortes, Macri, Doglio, Paul, Pollet and Riccelli.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/31/24, 96-1.
Committee Activity: State Government & Elections: 2/16/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Designates the Lunar New Year as a legislatively recognized day.
  • Encourages governmental entities and educational and cultural organizations to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
  • Requires the State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs to create programming and resources for entities to use in their celebrations.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & ELECTIONS
Staff: Greg Vogel (786-7413)
Background:

Washington recognizes 11 specific days as paid state legal holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day, and Christmas.

Another 19 specific days are recognized by the Legislature, but they are not considered legal holidays.
Summary of Bill:

The Lunar New Year is a legislatively recognized day. It is defined as the day of the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene.
 
The Legislature encourages state governmental entities, local governments, schools and institutions of higher education, and cultural organizations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is required to create Lunar New Year programming and resources for entities to use in planning and structuring their celebrations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.