An Act providing for the annual designation and holiday observance of the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as "Diwali Day" in this Commonwealth.
This bill officially designates the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as "Diwali Day" in Pennsylvania. The legislation recognizes the festival as a day of thanksgiving and reflection celebrated by millions of people worldwide and within the state. While the date is formally acknowledged, the law explicitly clarifies that employers are not required to treat it as a paid legal holiday or provide special leave. The act takes effect immediately upon approval by the Governor.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Oct 2024
Senate Passage
Apr 2023
House Passage
Oct 2024
Signed into Law
Oct 2024
Introduced Feb 21, 2023
Signed Oct 21, 2024
Floor votes · Senate Apr 26, 2023 · House Oct 9, 2024
How they voted
42–0
Passed
Total votes 42
Apr 26, 2023
D
Democratic16
100% Yea
R
Republican26
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
19
Key actions
6
Committee
6
Oct 21, 2024
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor
lower
Oct 9, 2024
Lower · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
lower
Oct 9, 2024
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Oct 8, 2024
Committee
Re-referred to Appropriations
lower
Oct 1, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Apr 28, 2023
Committee
Referred to State Government
lower
Apr 26, 2023
Upper · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
upper
Apr 24, 2023
Upper · Passed
Reported as committed
upper
Feb 21, 2023
Committee
Referred to State Government
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Greg Rothman
RRepublican
Co
Amanda Cappelletti
DDemocratic
Co
Art Haywood
DDemocratic
Co
Carolyn Comitta
DDemocratic
Co
Devlin Robinson
RRepublican
Co
Frank Farry
RRepublican
Co
Jimmy Dillon
DDemocratic
Co
Katie Muth
DDemocratic
Co
Lisa Boscola
DDemocratic
Co
Maria Collett
DDemocratic
Co
Nikil Saval
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SB 402
Scope: PA
Hi! I can help you understand SB 402. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline