CAL.Regulation
California makes Native American Day a paid state holiday, contingent on appropriation
California enacted AB 1841 (Chapter 447, Statutes of 2026), amending Government Code sections 19853 and 19853.1 and adding section 19853.3. Upon a future appropriation by the Legislature, the fourth Friday in September, Native American Day, becomes a paid holiday for state employees, replacing the current option to take the day as an elective eight-hour holiday credit. Any state bargaining unit may also negotiate the day as a paid holiday. Signed September 25, 2026, the act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
Key points
- The paid-holiday entitlement is contingent on a future legislative appropriation; without one, the elective credit option continues.California Legislative Information
- New Government Code section 19853.3 lets any state bargaining unit negotiate Native American Day as a paid holiday.California Legislative Information
- That section operates "notwithstanding any other law," so memoranda of understanding may add the paid holiday.California Legislative Information
- The bill passed the Assembly 78-0 and the Senate 40-0 on August 31; enrolled September 4; presented to the Governor September 14 at 1:30 p.m.California Legislative Information
- The governor’s announcement calls it an official state holiday; the statute conditions the paid holiday on an appropriation.California Legislative InformationGovernor of California
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California Legislative Information
Governor of California