Pair of Republican Washington lawmakers propose bill to formally recognize Christian, Jewish holidays in state law

Washington By The Tribune Content Agency Washington state Reps. Matt Marshall, R-Eatonville, and Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, have introduced legislation to formally recognize Christmas Eve, Hanukkah, Easter and other Christian and Jewish holidays in Washington state law in an effort to support faith traditions central to many communities, according to a news release from House Republicans. House Bill 2166 adds these holidays to the list of religious and cultural observances recognized in statute. The bill does not create new paid holidays, expand government mandates or change existing workplace leave policies, the release stated. "Some have tried to frame recognition of faith as political, but it's not," Marshall said. "This is about honesty and fairness - government shouldn't pretend that holidays central to our communities don't exist or don't matter." "This bill recognizes the vital importance of Christian and Jewish faith in the lives of many Washingtonians," Abell said. "I'm proud to co-sponsor it and honor these sacred holidays." Washington law already recognizes dozens of religious and cultural observances that are not designated as legal holidays, according to the release. HB 2166 adds several Christian and Jewish holidays to the list of faith-based observances already recognized by statute. The legislation also preserves existing protections for religious freedom in the workplace. Current law allows state and local government employees to request unpaid leave for religious observance unless doing so would cause undue hardship or affect public safety. HB 2166 leaves those provisions unchanged. "At a time when many people feel their values are being ignored or dismissed, this bill sends a clear message," Marshall said. "Faith and tradition still matter in Washington." HB 2166 was prefiled for the 2026 legislative session and will be referred to committee when the Legislature convenes on Jan. 12.