SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1560

As of February 18, 2016

Title: An act relating to recognizing the thirty-first of March as Cesar Chavez Day.

Brief Description: Recognizing the thirty-first of March as Cesar Chavez Day.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Ortiz-Self, Ryu, Moscoso, Reykdal, Gregerson, Peterson, Bergquist, Santos, McBride and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/15, 68-30; 2/11/16, 67-29.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 3/16/15, 3/19/15 [DP, DNP].

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Liias, Ranking Minority Member; Habib and McCoy.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Dansel.

Staff: Alex Kearns (786-7416)

Background: A variety of dates are specially recognized in Washington but are not considered legal holidays. For example the second Sunday in October is recognized as Washington State Children's Day, and April 16 is recognized as Mother Joseph Day. California recognizes César Chávez Day on March 31, or the Monday or Friday preceding or following that date, which serves as a school holiday and a paid holiday for state employees. Colorado and Texas recognize César Chávez Day on March 31 as an optional holiday, and the heads of state agencies may grant employees the day off with pay in lieu of another legal holiday as long as the state agency stays open to conduct operations at a minimum level.

Summary of Bill: March 31 is recognized as César Chávez Day, but not considered a school holiday or legal holiday for any purpose.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: Testimony From 2015 Regular Session. PRO: César Chávez has national impact and was a great fighter for equality. This recognizes a significant figure in our state history. We need to talk about all of our history, not just parts of it. César Chávez was a role model to many children, and he has been recognized in other states by holidays or days of recognition, and has had schools and streets named after him. His legacy still inspires us to do well and do it with nonviolence. He reminded us that every job has dignity, every life has value, and everyone should have the opportunity to advance as they are so able. This type of recognition will send a message to young people, especially living in rural and agricultural communities, to aspire and be inspired to achieve in public service or benefit to their communities. If this becomes a state-recognized holiday, students will have more pride in their heritage. The Hispanic community is looking for role models like César Chávez.

Persons Testifying: Persons Testifying From 2015 Regular Session. PRO: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor; Senator McCoy; Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney, Sea-Mar; Gloria Burton, Catholic Community Services; Mario Villanueva, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; Gabriel Portugal, Latino Civic Alliance.

Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying:  No one.