SENATE 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 Senate, February 27, 2018

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: Passed House: 2/27/17, 71-25; 1/18/18, 73-23.

Committee Activity: State Government: 3/29/17 [DP].

State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/31/18 [DP].

Floor Activity:

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

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Recognizes March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Miloscia, Chair; Zeiger, Vice Chair; Hunt, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer and Pearson.

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Miloscia, Ranking Member; Saldaña and Zeiger.

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

Background: Apart from the state legal holidays, a variety of dates are specifically recognized 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 passed away April 23, 1993. His birthday, March 31, is officially recognized as Cesar Chavez Day in several states, and as a federal commemorative holiday under presidential proclamation since 2010.

Summary of Bill: March 31 is recognized as Cesar Chavez Day but is not considered a legal holiday for any purpose.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (State Government): Testimony from 2017 Regular Session. PRO: Cesar Chavez was a veteran and should be recognized. Mr. Chavez brought a lot of good things, including minimum wage, for a lot of people. This has been brought up for the last six years and we hope that it moves forward this year. Mr. Chavez is a mentor for our children and a good example for our nation.

Persons Testifying (State Government): PRO: J. Manuel Reta, Northwest Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (State Government): No one.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): No public hearing was held.

Persons Testifying (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): N/A

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): N/A