New Legislative Amendment Would Erase Cesar Chavez Day from Arizona

Arizona Republican lawmakers proposed a “strike-everything” amendment to sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez, pushing to remove the labor icon's state holiday from Arizona law, following a New York Times investigation detailing claims he sexually abused women and girls during the 1970s.

House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-AZ) set the tone early.

"We are not going to keep honoring a man who committed sexual abuse against children and assaulted women," he said, adding, "If even the Governor is stepping back from recognizing Cesar Chavez this year, then the Legislature needs to finish the job. Looking the other way is not leadership."

The repeal would move forward through a strike-everything amendment to HB 2072, introduced by Representative Lisa Fink (R-AZ) and carried in the Senate by Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-AZ), who will hear the measure in her Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee on March 25.

Rep. Fink said the legislation sends a necessary signal. "As long as this remains in statute, Arizona is still honoring that conduct," she said. "Repealing it is the right and responsible step, and it sends a clear message that we stand with victims."

Sen. Bolick, who has focused on victim protections during her tenure, said consistency is at the heart of the push. "We cannot say we stand with victims and then maintain laws that send a conflicting message," she said. "This is about ensuring Arizona law reflects a clear commitment to protecting victims and upholding accountability."

Furthermore, Senate President Warren Petersen (R-AZ) called the allegations heinous and urged members across the aisle to act. "Protecting children and holding predators accountable is a fundamental responsibility of government," he said. "This should receive unanimous, bipartisan support. Anything less would be a failure to stand with victims."

As the legislation moves forward, Arizona has shown little hesitation in responding, acting within days of the allegations becoming public and advancing the repeal through multiple chambers simultaneously.