SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SR 72
Office of Senate Floor Analyses
(916) 651-4171
THIRD READING
Bill No: SR 72
Author: Wahab (D), Cabaldon (D) and Choi (R)
Introduced: 1/22/26
Vote: Majority
SUBJECT: Lunar New Year
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST: This resolution joins Asian and Pacific Islander communities
throughout the state, nation, and world in celebrating February 17, 2026, as the
beginning of the Lunar New Year and extends best wishes for a peaceful and
prosperous Lunar New Year to all Californians.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) The Lunar New Year is celebrated on the second new moon following the
winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an
intercalary month intervene.
2) February 17, 2026, will mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, which is
celebrated in many Asian communities around the world, including in the
United States and especially in California.
3) The Lunar New Year is predominantly celebrated by over 3 million Chinese,
Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Taiwanese, and Iu-Mien residents of California.
The Lunar New Year is universally celebrated by these communities as a time
to renew family ties and to start the new year with a clean slate
4) The Lunar Calendar rotates through 12-year cycles, with each year representing
an animal from The Great Race, and through 60-year cycles—with each animal
associated with one of the five elements: metal, wood, fire, water, or earth—to
create harmony and balance. The 2026 Lunar Year is the Year of the Fire
Horse, symbolizing vitality, momentum, and courage.
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5) The celebration of the Lunar New Year in communities throughout California
illustrates the state’s rich cultural history and commitment to racial, religious,
and cultural diversity.
This resolution joins Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the state,
nation, and world in celebrating February 17, 2026, as the beginning of the Lunar
New Year and extends best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Lunar New Year
to all Californians.
Related/Prior Legislation
HR 8 (Fong, 2025) – Adopted in Assembly.
SR 12 (Wahab, 2025) – Adopted in Senate.
HR 5 (Stephanie Nguyen, 2023) – Adopted in Assembly.
SR 7 (Min, 2023) – Adopted in Senate.
HR 67 (Low, 2024) – Adopted in Assembly.
SR 54 (Min, 2024) – Adopted in Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 2/3/26)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 2/3/26)
None received
Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-4171
2/4/26 13:50:10
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