CA AB2596

Repeals the requirement for the Governor to annually proclaim "Lunar New Year" and instead recognizes it as a permanent state holiday, defined as the date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice if an intercalary month intervenes.

Authorizes state employees to elect to receive 8 hours of holiday credit for "Lunar New Year" in lieu of 8 hours of personal holiday credit, and to use 8 hours of vacation, annual leave, or compensating time off for the holiday, consistent with departmental operational needs and collective bargaining agreements.

Excludes "Lunar New Year" from designation as a judicial holiday, along with "Admission Day," "Columbus Day," and other days appointed by the President but not the Governor.

Contains multiple alternative operative sections (Sections 1.5, 2.1-2.3, 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3) that apply conditionally based on whether companion bills AB 1655 and AB 1801 are enacted, ensuring coordinated amendments across related legislation.

Effective September 29, 2022.