In an era when immigration remains one of the most divisive issues in American politics, a bipartisan group of California lawmakers has done something rare: they’ve found unity.
The AB 268 bill, introduced by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel aims to recognize the significance of the festival among the Indian diaspora.
Diwali, the widely celebrated Festival of Lights, is one step closer to becoming an official state holiday in California following the unanimous, bipartisan passage of Assembly Bill 268 (AB 268) on the Assembly floor.
Assemblymember Darshana R. Patel (D-San Diego) has proposed Assembly Bill 237, which would close the same loophole and also apply to threats made against day-care centers, hospitals and workplaces.
Assembly Bill 237 would amend the law to close a loophole regarding threats made toward schools, medical facilities, places of worship and other key facilities.
For newly elected Assemblymember Darshana Patel, a Poway school board seat offered a primer on elected office and how state government affects local agencies.