California moves Lunar New Year bill

The California State Senate on Thursday passed a bill to officially recognize Lunar New Year and encourage awareness of the day's cultural significance statewide. Now it's on to the Assembly.

Senate Bill 892, authored by senators Richard Pan and Scott Wiener, designates Lunar New Year as a day of special significance in California and requires the governor to honor Lunar New Year every year.

The measure also encourages all public schools and educational institutions to conduct exercises recognizing the traditions and cultural significance of Lunar New Year, the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Californians to the state and any local festivities and celebrations for the occasion.