SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5046
As of January 30, 2026
Title: An act relating to designating kimchi day.
Brief Description: Designating kimchi day.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, J., Wagoner, Hasegawa, Kauffman, Dozier, Valdez, McCune, Dhingra, Gildon, Liias, Nobles and Slatter.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: 1/30/26.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Designates November 22nd as Kimchi Day.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL AFFAIRS & ELECTIONS
Staff: Danielle Creech (786-7412)
Background:

State Holidays. Washington recognizes the following 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 Day, Native American Heritage Day, and Christmas Day.

 

Another 22 specific days are recognized by the Legislature, but they are not considered legal holidays. Some of those days commemorate specific events, such as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Other days commemorate groups of people, such as Korean-American Day, or certain causes, such as Human Trafficking Awareness Day and Public Lands Day. 

 

Kimchi. Kimchi is a traditional Korean food that consists primarily of salted and fermented vegetables. Often these ingredients include napa cabbage, daikon radish, carrots, garlic, ginger, and Korean chili. South Korea celebrates National Kimchi Day on November 22nd of each year. California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia are among states that have passed resolutions in recent years to designate November 22nd as Kimchi Day in their states.
Summary of Bill:

November 22nd is designated as Kimchi Day, a legislatively recognized day.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: Kimchi is more than just a food; it is a 2,000 year-old tradition for the Korean culture. Washington has deep ties with the Koreans and we would like to respect that kimchi is delicious and good for you. There are several other states that have recognized kimchi day, and Washington should join them. 
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jeff Wilson, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.