OLYMPIA, Wash. – A new bill introduced by Reps. Matt Marshall (R-Eatonville) and Hunter Abell (R-Inchelium) proposes to formally recognize Christmas Eve, Hanukkah and Easter, among other Christian and Jewish holidays, in Washington state law.
House Bill 2166 seeks to add these holidays to the list of religious and cultural observances recognized by statute. The bill does not propose new paid holidays or alter existing workplace leave policies.
“Some have tried to frame recognition of faith as political, but it’s not,” said Marshall. “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,” said Abell. “I’m proud to co-sponsor it and honor these sacred holidays.”
Currently, Washington law recognizes various religious and cultural observances without designating them as legal holidays.
Marshall emphasized the message the bill sends amidst concerns about values being ignored. “Faith and tradition still matter in Washington,” he said.
The bill was prefiled for the 2026 legislative session and will be referred to committee when the Legislature convenes on January 12.
