Existing law designates particular days each year as having special significance, and encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe those days and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises on those days.

This bill would express legislative findings and declarations relating to the Asian Lunar New Year. The bill would require the Governor, each year, to designate the date corresponding with the start of the Asian lunar calendar each year as Asian Lunar New Years Day, a day having special significance. The bill would also encourage all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year with appropriate ceremonies, activities, activities and programs.

Existing law designates particular days each year as having special significance, and encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe those days and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises on those days.

This bill would express legislative findings and declarations relating to the Asian Lunar New Year. The bill would designate the date corresponding with the start of the Asian lunar calendar each year as Asian Lunar New Years Day, a day having special significance. The bill would also encourage all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

Date of Hearing: June 22, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Patrick O'Donnell, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 616

Author:(Huff) – As Amended Ver:January 4, 2016

SENATE VOTE: 40-0

SUBJECT: Public schools: Asian Lunar New Year’s Day

SUMMARY: Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct culturally appropriate activities and exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year and requires the Governor to annually proclaim the date corresponding with the start of the lunar calendar as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day. Specifically, this bill:

1. Makes findings and declarations relative to the significance of the Asian Lunar New Year.
2. Designates the date corresponding with the start of the Asian lunar calendar of each year as set apart as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, a day having special significance.
3. Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct culturally appropriate activities and exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year on Lunar New Year’s Day.
4. Requires the Governor to annually designate the date corresponding with the start of the lunar calendar as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Designates a number of days as days of special significance to the public schools and educational institutions, and encourages them to observe that day and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises. Those recognizing individuals are John Muir Day (April 21), Harvey Milk Day (May 22), Fred Korematsu Day (January 30), Ronald Reagan Day (February 6), and Ed Roberts Day (January 23).
2. Requires public schools to close on a number of holidays, including January 1, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lincoln Day, Washington Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, all days appointed by the Governor or the President of the United States for a public fast, thanksgiving or holiday, and any other day designated as a holiday by the governing board of the school district.
3. Requires, for some specified holidays for which schools are required to close (Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln Day, Washington Day), that schools conduct exercises in commemoration.
4. Authorizes public schools to close on two other days if the governing board, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, agrees to close schools for that purpose. These days are César Chávez (March 31) and Native American Day (fourth Friday in September).
5. Requires public schools to remain open on specified days (unless otherwise closed to mark a holiday by decision of the governing board), and to celebrate the significance of those days with appropriate commemorative exercises. These days are the anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, the birthdays of Luther Burbank (March 7) and Susan B. Anthony (February 15), and the death of Crispus Attucks (March 5).
6. Requires the State Board of Education to ensure that state curriculum on César Chávez and the history of the farm labor movement in the United States include information on the role of immigrants, including Filipino Americans, in that movement.
7. Designates October 25th of each year as Larry Itliong Day, a day of special significance, and requires the Governor to annually proclaim October 25th of each year as Larry Itliong Day. Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe this day and conduct exercises remembering the life and contributions of Larry Itliong.

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill is keyed non-fiscal.

COMMENTS:

Asian Lunar New Year. The Asian Lunar New Year typically occurs in late January or early February and is a significant cultural event for Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and some other Asian ethnic groups. The San Francisco Unified School District closes its schools in observance of the lunar new year, and this year the New York City Department of Education did the same. This bill encourages, but does not require, public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises celebrating the occasion.

Similar bills. This bill is substantially similar to AB 2598 (Ting), which was approved by this Committee on April 20^th. AB 2598 encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct culturally appropriate activities and exercises observing the Lunar New Year, and requires the Governor to annually proclaim the date corresponding with the start of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year’s Day. The Committee may wish to consider whether it should approve two measures which are substantially similar.

Related legislation. AB 2598 (Ting) of this Session, which was approved by this Committee on April 20^th, encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct culturally appropriate activities and exercises observing the Lunar New Year and requires the Governor to annually proclaim the date corresponding with the start of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year’s Day. This bill is pending in the Senate Education Committee.

AB 7 (Bonta), Chapter 29, Statutes of 2015, designates October 25th of each year as Larry Itliong Day, a day of special significance, and requires the Governor to annually proclaim October 25th of each year as Larry Itliong Day. Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe this day and conduct related exercises remembering the life and contributions of Larry Itliong.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (sponsor)

Asians for Lunar New Year Group (sponsor)

Chinese American Equalization Association (sponsor)

Joint Chinese University Alumni Association of Southern California (sponsor)

Silicon Valley Chinese Association Foundation (sponsor)

The Orange Club Political Action Committee (sponsor)

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Tanya Lieberman / ED. / (916) 319-2087

 CONSENT  

Bill No: SB 616

Author: and Nguyen (R), et al.

:

Vote:

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 1/13/16

AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Mendoza, Monning, Vidak

NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner, Leyva, Pan

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill designates the date corresponding with the start of the Asian Lunar calendar of each year as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, and encourages public schools to recognize it as a special day of significance.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Designates a number of days as days of special significance to the public schools and educational institutions and encourages them to observe that day, including Larry Itliong Day (October 25), Ronald Reagan Day (February 6), John Muir Day (April 21), and Harvey Milk Day (May 22). (Education Code § 37222 – § 37222.17)
2. Requires public schools to close on a number of holidays, including January 1, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lincoln Day, Washington Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, all days appointed by the Governor or the President of the United States for a public fast, holiday, and any other day designated as a holiday by the governing board of the school district. Existing law requires that for some specified holidays for which schools are required to close (Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln Day, and Washington Day), schools conduct exercises in commemoration. (EC § 37220 – § 37221)

This bill:

1. Makes various findings and declarations relative to the Asian Lunar New Year and the contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander American community to the social, cultural, civic, economic, and academic success of California.
2. Requires the Governor to designate the date corresponding with the start of the Asian Lunar calendar of each year as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, as specified.
3. Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year with appropriate activities and programs.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, naming Lunar New Year as a special day of significance encourages classroom conversations about a major holiday celebrated in the eastern part of the world and by millions of California residents. The author further asserts that it is essential to support these conversations to help build a greater sense of inclusion and community particularly among members of the Asian community.
2. Asian Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year traditionally occurs in late January or early February and is one of the most significant cultural holidays for Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian ethnic groups. With Asian-American communities in all regions across the state, the holiday is a popular annual celebration in California. As such, many schools organize related activities and at least one California school district, San Francisco Unified, observes the tradition by closing its schools for the day. This bill statutorily recognizes Asian Lunar New Year as a day of having special significance in which public schools and educational institutions are encouraged but not required to conduct exercises celebrating the occasion.
3. Discretionary activities. Current law encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe each day designated and set apart as a day having special significance, and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises. These are not required activities. Current law also includes legislative intent that exercises be integrated into the regular school program and be conducted by the school within the amount of time otherwise budgeted for educational programs.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 1/15/16)

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association Southern California Region

Asians for Lunar New Year Group

Chinese American Equalization Association

Joint Chinese University Alumni Association of Southern California

Silicon Valley Chinese Association Foundation

The Orange Club PAC

OPPOSITION: (Verified 1/13/16)

None received

Prepared by:

1/15/16 10:21:11

**** END ****

 CONSENT  

Bill No: SB 616

Author: and Nguyen (R), et al.

:

Vote:

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 1/13/16

AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Mendoza, Monning, Vidak

NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner, Leyva, Pan

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill designates the date corresponding with the start of the Asian Lunar calendar of each year as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, and encourages public schools to recognize it as a special day of significance.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Designates a number of days as days of special significance to the public schools and educational institutions and encourages them to observe that day, including Larry Itliong Day (October 25), Ronald Reagan Day (February 6), John Muir Day (April 21), and Harvey Milk Day (May 22). (Education Code § 37222 – § 37222.17)
2. Requires public schools to close on a number of holidays, including January 1, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lincoln Day, Washington Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, all days appointed by the Governor or the President of the United States for a public fast, holiday, and any other day designated as a holiday by the governing board of the school district. Existing law requires that for some specified holidays for which schools are required to close (Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln Day, and Washington Day), schools conduct exercises in commemoration. (EC § 37220 – § 37221)

This bill:

1. Makes various findings and declarations relative to the Asian Lunar New Year and the contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander American community to the social, cultural, civic, economic, and academic success of California.
2. Requires the Governor to designate the date corresponding with the start of the Asian Lunar calendar of each year as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, as specified.
3. Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year with appropriate activities and programs.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, naming Lunar New Year as a special day of significance encourages classroom conversations about a major holiday celebrated in the eastern part of the world and by millions of California residents. The author further asserts that it is essential to support these conversations to help build a greater sense of inclusion and community particularly among members of the Asian community.
2. Asian Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year traditionally occurs in late January or early February and is one of the most significant cultural holidays for Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian ethnic groups. With Asian-American communities in all regions across the state, the holiday is a popular annual celebration in California. As such, many schools organize related activities and at least one California school district, San Francisco Unified, observes the tradition by closing its schools for the day. This bill statutorily recognizes Asian Lunar New Year as a day of having special significance in which public schools and educational institutions are encouraged but not required to conduct exercises celebrating the occasion.
3. Discretionary activities. Current law encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe each day designated and set apart as a day having special significance, and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises. These are not required activities. Current law also includes legislative intent that exercises be integrated into the regular school program and be conducted by the school within the amount of time otherwise budgeted for educational programs.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 1/13/16)

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association Southern California Region

Asians for Lunar New Year Group

Chinese American Equalization Association

Joint Chinese University Alumni Association of Southern California

The Orange Club PAC

OPPOSITION: (Verified 1/13/16)

None received

Prepared by:

1/14/16 15:21:20

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Carol Liu, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No:

Subject:

SUMMARY

This bill designates the date corresponding with the start of the Asian Lunar calendar of each year as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, and encourages public schools to recognize it as a special day of significance.

BACKGROUND

Existing law designates a number of days as days of special significance to the public schools and educational institutions and encourages them to observe that day, including Larry Itliong Day (October 25), Ronald Reagan Day (February 6), John Muir Day (April 21), and Harvey Milk Day (May 22). (Education Code § 37222 – § 37222.17)

Existing law also requires public schools to close on a number of holidays, including January 1, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lincoln Day, Washington Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, all days appointed by the Governor or the President of the United States for a public fast, holiday, and any other day designated as a holiday by the governing board of the school district. Existing law requires that for some specified holidays for which schools are required to close (Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln Day, and Washington Day), schools conduct exercises in commemoration. (EC § 37220 – § 37221)

ANALYSIS

This bill:

1. Makes various findings and declarations relative to the Asian Lunar New Year and the contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander American community to the social, cultural, civic, economic, and academic success of California.
2. Requires the Governor to designate the date corresponding with the start of the Asian Lunar calendar of each year as Asian Lunar New Year’s Day, as specified.
3. Encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises observing the Asian Lunar New Year with appropriate activities and programs.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, naming Lunar New Year as a special day of significance encourages classroom conversations about a major holiday celebrated in the eastern part of the world and by millions of California residents. The author further asserts that it is essential to support these conversations to help build a greater sense of inclusion and community particularly among members of the Asian community.
2. Asian Lunar New Year: The Lunar New Year traditionally occurs in late January or early February and is one of the most significant cultural holidays for Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian ethnic groups. With Asian-American communities in all regions across the state, the holiday is a popular annual celebration in California. As such, many schools organize related activities and at least one California school district, San Francisco Unified, observes the tradition by closing its schools for the day. This bill statutorily recognizes Asian Lunar New Year as a day of having special significance in which public schools and educational institutions are encouraged but not required to conduct exercises celebrating the occasion.
3. Discretionary activities. Current law encourages all public schools and educational institutions to observe each day designated and set apart as a day having special significance, and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises. These are not required activities. Current law also includes legislative intent that exercises be integrated into the regular school program and be conducted by the school within the amount of time otherwise budgeted for educational programs.

SUPPORT

Chinese American Equalization Association

Asians for Lunar New Year Group

Joint Chinese University Alumni Association of Southern California

OPPOSITION

None received.

-- END --