SR 8680
In CommitteeSenate
Ramadan
Recognizing and honoring Ramadan.
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 resolution formally recognizes and honors Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and a core pillar of Islam, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk as a form of spiritual reflection and generosity. It celebrates the contributions of American and Washington Muslims to the state’s civic and community life.
- Formally recognizes and honors Ramadan as a holy month of fasting, spiritual reflection, and increased charitable giving observed by Muslims worldwide.
- Acknowledges the size and diversity of the American Muslim community, including approximately 2.5 million Muslims in the U.S. and hundreds of thousands in Washington State.
- Notes that Ramadan 2026 begins on February 17 and ends with Eid-al-Fitr on March 19, 2026 (or the day of the new moon sighting).
- Highlights core practices of Ramadan, including abstaining from food, water, smoking, and foul language from dawn to dusk, and emphasizes its purpose of spiritual growth and empathy.
- Commends American Muslims for their contributions across sectors—including healthcare, education, public service, and civic leadership—and for their role in community support efforts like food distribution and refugee assistance.
Who is affected
- Muslim residents of Washington State — Muslim residents of Washington State are acknowledged and honored during the holy month of Ramadan, with recognition of their contributions to community well-being and civic life.
- General public of Washington State — The broader Washington public benefits from increased awareness of Ramadan and the values it promotes, such as empathy, generosity, and community service.
- Local government agencies and public institutions — Local governments and public institutions may be encouraged to consider accommodations for employees or students observing Ramadan, such as flexible scheduling or meal planning.
- Charitable and humanitarian organizations — Charitable organizations may see heightened engagement and donations during Ramadan, supported by the resolution's emphasis on increased generosity and community service.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal state recognition of Ramadan affirms religious freedom and inclusion, reducing symbolic marginalization of Muslim residents and signaling state commitment to pluralism.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: WHEREAS, The Senate of the state of Washington takes pride in recognizing and honoring Ramadan...Public acknowledgment of Muslim civic contributions reinforces social cohesion and trust, which can improve community-police relations and reduce polarization and hate-motivated incidents.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, American Muslims... contribute greatly to the community... by providing food to the hungry, refugee assimilation, medical assistance...Increased charitable giving during Ramadan may boost donations to local nonprofits and faith-based service organizations, many of which employ low- and middle-income Washingtonians and deliver essential community services.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Generosity is intensified during the holy month of Ramadan...Recognition may encourage school districts and local governments to consider reasonable accommodations (e.g., flexible scheduling, meal planning) for students and employees observing Ramadan, supporting equitable access to education and public services.
EducationPeopleRef: WHEREAS, The American Muslim community is among the most racially diverse faith groups...The resolution may prompt local governments to proactively review and improve accommodation policies for religious observance, potentially reducing administrative friction and litigation risk.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: WHEREAS, February 17, 2026, marks the commencement of Ramadan...
Who Is Most Affected
Muslim residents gain symbolic affirmation, reduced stigma, and may benefit from increased community support and potential workplace/school accommodations during the month.
The broader public benefits from increased awareness of religious diversity and shared values like generosity and service, which can foster empathy and reduce prejudice.
Local governments may face modest administrative costs to review accommodation policies, but avoid future liability and build goodwill; no direct fiscal burden is mandated.
Charitable organizations may see increased volunteerism and donations during Ramadan, but the resolution itself does not allocate new funding or create enforceable obligations for them.