The bill, H.B. No. 1471, proposes to amend the Government Code of Texas to designate Diwali and Dashain as optional holidays for state employees. Specifically, it adds provisions to Section 662.003(c) to include one day of the Diwali festival and one day of the Dashain festival, which can be selected by the state employee observing these holidays. This amendment is part of a broader recognition of cultural diversity within the state's holiday observances.

In addition to the new inclusions, the bill also removes the previous language that specified the days on which these holidays "fall," thereby allowing employees the flexibility to choose their observance days. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, should it be enacted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 662.003 (Government Code 662)