Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee

HB 1939

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

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

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Bergquist, Ortiz-Self, Peterson, Robinson, Jinkins, Gregerson, Stanford, Ormsby, Santos and Pollet.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Recognizes March 31 as "Cesar Chavez Day."

Hearing Date: 2/14/17

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

Apart from the state legal holidays, the state identifies certain days of recognition throughout the year. Such recognition dates commemorate an event, individual, or groups of persons. Individuals with dates of recognition include Mother Joseph and Marcus Whitman.

Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona. His family moved to California as migrant farm workers when he was child. Mr. Chavez became a leader of the farm worker organization movement and co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later merged into the United Farm Workers association. He died April 23, 1993. His birthday is official recognized in several states, and in 2014 President Obama declared March 31 "Cesar Chavez Day," as a federal commemorative holiday.

Summary of Bill:

March 31 is recognized as "Cesar Chavez Day."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.