CA AB268

Adds Diwali (the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar) to California's official list of state holidays, joining existing holidays like Lunar New Year, Cesar Chavez Day, and Native American Day

Authorizes public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali if the governing board and employee unions agree through a memorandum of understanding

Allows state employees to elect eight hours of holiday credit for Diwali in lieu of their personal holiday, and permits classified school and community college employees to receive Diwali as a paid holiday subject to union agreements

Excludes Diwali from designation as a judicial holiday, meaning courts will remain open (similar to Lunar New Year, Genocide Remembrance Day, Admission Day, and Columbus Day)

Authorizes public schools to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali, with the State Board of Education permitted to adopt a model curriculum guide