HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 996 FILED ON: 1/14/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3326
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Rodney M. Elliott
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act designating Diwali Day as a state holiday.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: | Date Added: |
Rodney M. Elliott | 16th Middlesex | 1/14/2025 |
Estela A. Reyes | 4th Essex | 2/6/2025 |
Natalie M. Higgins | 4th Worcester | 2/27/2025 |
James C. Arena-DeRosa | 8th Middlesex | 4/17/2025 |
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 996 FILED ON: 1/14/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3326
By Representative Elliott of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3326) of Rodney M. Elliott, Estela A. Reyes and Natalie M. Higgins for legislation to designate Diwali as a legal holiday in the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act designating Diwali Day as a state holiday.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding after Section 15ZZZZZZ, the following section:-
Section 15AAAAAAA. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting aside the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as the official Diwali Day, establishing the day as a state holiday, recommending its observance by the people as a period of special attention in recognition of the Diwali celebration known as the “Festival of Lights”, a five day long festival where the third day is a day of thanksgiving and reflection celebrated worldwide and by millions of Americans.