HOUSE BILL REPORT

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.

As Passed Legislature

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

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 History:

Committee Activity:

State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/14/17, 2/15/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/27/17, 71-25.

Passed House: 1/18/18, 73-23.

Passed Senate: 2/27/18, 35-14.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Recognizes March 31 as "Cesar Chavez Day."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Koster, Ranking Minority Member; Volz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin, Kraft and Pellicciotti.

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 officially 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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Cesar Chavez understood the needs of farm workers and bringing about nonviolent change to improve the lives of farm workers. He was not just a symbol of the labor movement; he was a community leader, a veteran, a father, and children looked up to him. Officially recognizing Cesar Chavez and his accomplishments will demonstrate that the state cares about the rights of farm workers.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor; and Jimmy Matta and Nina Martinez, Latino Civic Alliance.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.