HB 1017
In CommitteeHouse
Kimchi day
Designating kimchi day.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill formally recognizes November 22 as 'kimchi day' in Washington State to honor the cultural and health significance of kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food. It amends state law to add the day to a list of officially recognized observances that are not legal holidays.
- Designates November 22 of each year as 'kimchi day' in Washington State.
- Adds 'kimchi day' to the list of officially recognized (but non-holiday) days in RCW 1.16.050(7)(u).
- Includes findings about kimchi’s cultural significance, health benefits, and international recognition—including by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- Aligns Washington with other states—California, Virginia, and Hawaii—that already recognize November 22 as kimchi day.
Who is affected
- State and local government employees — State and local government employees may gain an additional unpaid holiday if they wish to observe kimchi day, under existing rules for faith/conscience-based leave.
- Korean American communities and cultural organizations — Korean American communities and cultural organizations gain formal state recognition of their cultural heritage through a designated day of observance.
- Food retailers and restaurants — Retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants that sell or promote kimchi may see increased visibility or promotional activity around the designated day.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal state recognition affirms the cultural identity and heritage of Korean American communities, promoting inclusion and visibility in public life—particularly meaningful for a group that has historically faced marginalization and xenophobia.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (findings) and Sec. 2(7)(u) (adding 'kimchi day' to RCW 1.16.050(7)(u))Promotes public health literacy by highlighting kimchi’s nutritional benefits (e.g., probiotics, vitamins), potentially encouraging healthier dietary habits among Washingtonians—especially relevant in communities with high rates of diet-related chronic disease.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (findings) and Sec. 2(7)(u)Provides marketing and promotional opportunities for small food businesses—including Korean American–owned restaurants, grocery stores, and producers—potentially increasing visibility and sales around the observance day.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (findings) and Sec. 2(7)(u)Encourages educational outreach in schools and public institutions about Korean American history and food culture, supporting culturally responsive curricula and intercultural understanding—though implementation is voluntary and un-funded.
EducationRef: Sec. 1 (findings) and Sec. 2(7)(u)May inspire local governments to host or sponsor public events (e.g., cultural festivals, cooking demos), strengthening community engagement and celebrating Washington’s diversity—though no mandate or funding is provided.
Local GovernmentLean peopleRef: Sec. 1 (findings) and Sec. 2(7)(u)
Potential Concerns (1)
May increase administrative burden on local governments and school districts to process and track additional unpaid leave requests tied to kimchi day, especially if many employees claim it as a faith/conscience-based observance—though no new funding or staffing is required.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2(3) (existing unpaid faith/conscience leave provision)
Who Is Most Affected
Korean American individuals and families gain symbolic recognition of their cultural heritage, which can enhance sense of belonging and civic participation—especially meaningful in contexts where Asian American communities have experienced discrimination or erasure.
Small, locally owned food businesses—especially those owned by Korean Americans—may benefit from increased visibility and promotional activity, though larger chains (e.g., major grocery retailers) may also participate without significant cost or strategic shift.
State and local government employees may use existing unpaid leave policies to observe kimchi day, but no new paid time off is created; impact is minimal and only if employees choose to do so.
Public health agencies and educators may leverage the day to promote nutrition education, but the bill provides no new resources—so impact depends on voluntary initiative and existing capacity.
School districts may see optional, low-cost cultural programming opportunities, but no mandate or funding means participation will vary widely by district resources and priorities.