The Arizona House passed legislation on Thursday repealing the state law recognizing Cesar Chavez Day, following reports detailing allegations of sexual abuse and assaults by Chavez. The measure, HB 2072, had previously passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to Governor Katie Hobbs for her signature.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro said, “Arizona law should not honor a man tied to sexual abuse against children and violence against women. 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, said, “Once these reports came to light, there was no excuse for leaving this honor in Arizona law. 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.”
Montenegro serves as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 29 in the West Valley, Goodyear, and Surprise. Fink is a Republican member representing Legislative District 27, which includes areas of Glendale, Peoria, and Phoenix.
Further details about this legislative action are available according to the official roster page.
