Under a bill introduced by Senators Richard Pan and Scott Wiener in January and signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Friday, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises recognizing the traditions and cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Californians to the state, and any local festivities and celebrations of the occasion. 

The Lunar New Year falls generally on the second new moon and is celebrated by millions of Californians at community events. Many jurisdictions in California, including the City and County of San Francisco, have already designated Lunar New Year as an official school holiday.