The Arizona House of Representatives voted on Mar. 30 to send a bill repealing the state’s Cesar Chavez Day law to Governor Katie Hobbs for consideration. The move follows recent reports that have raised concerns about honoring Cesar Chavez, with both the House and Senate supporting the repeal.
The decision is significant because it addresses ongoing debates about who should be honored by state laws and reflects a response to allegations linked to Chavez. Lawmakers say that maintaining such honors could be harmful to victims associated with these allegations.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro said, “Arizona law should not honor a man tied to sexual abuse against children and violence against women.” He added, “The House acted today because victims deserve better, the truth cannot be ignored, and state honors carry meaning. The Senate took the same step last week with strong bipartisan support. Governor Hobbs should sign it.”
Representative Lisa Fink, sponsor of HB 2072, also commented on the bill’s passage: “Once these reports came to light, there was no excuse for leaving this honor in Arizona law,” she said. “The women and children Chavez harmed should not have to watch the state continue honoring his name. Repealing this law is the proper response. It respects the victims he left behind and removes a state honor that should not remain in place.”
Steve Montenegro serves as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 29 in West Valley, Goodyear, and Surprise.
Carbone, a Republican elected in 2023 representing Arizona’s 25th House District after replacing Michelle Udall,according to Ballotpedia, has been involved in legislative activities related to this issue.
Lawmakers now await action from Governor Hobbs regarding whether she will sign or veto HB 2072.
