Arizona Republicans move to repeal Cesar Chavez Day from state law

PHOENIX — Republicans in the state Legislature are taking action to repeal a state law recognizing Cesar Chavez Day following new reporting detailing allegations of sexual abuse against women and children.

Sen. Shawnna Bolick is sponsoring an amendment to cut the holiday.

“As someone who has worked to strengthen protections for victims and vulnerable populations, I take this seriously,” Bolick said in a Thursday press release. “We cannot say we stand with victims and then maintain laws that send a conflicting message.”

How do Republicans plan to repeal Cesar Chavez Day?

Arizona’s legislative session began on Jan. 12, and both chambers faced strict deadlines for introducing new bills: Feb. 2 for senators and Feb. 9 for representatives.

Then, on March 18, a New York Times investigation released previously unheard allegations against Chavez, sparking a nationwide reckoning.

“That’s a gut punch,” independent journalist @elviadiaz1 says of the allegations against Cesar Chavez.

Her family worked the fields. Her brothers marched alongside him. She covered the movement as a young radio reporter — and watched tens of thousands rally for farmworkers’… pic.twitter.com/4Ho1tcodVg

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) March 19, 2026

With the sudden controversy surrounding Chavez’s legacy, lawmakers had limited options if they wanted to permanently repeal the state holiday that Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs already canceled this year.

Because the bill‑introduction deadlines have already passed, Republicans are turning to a procedural maneuver known as a strike‑everything amendment — or “striker” — to end the celebration of Cesar Chavez Day in Arizona.

This swift action is necessary in light of “heinous” conduct Chavez allegedly committed, according to Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen.

“Protecting children and holding predators accountable is a fundamental responsibility of government,” Petersen said. “Arizona law should never be used to honor someone tied to that kind of harm.”

Strikers are common late in the session because lawmakers cannot introduce new bills once deadlines pass. They can, however, take an existing bill that is still “alive” procedurally and overwrite it with new language.

HB 2072 is serving as that “vehicle bill.” It originally dealt with licensing for lactation care providers, but its contents will be replaced with the proposal to repeal Arizona’s recognition of Cesar Chavez Day.

Bolick plans to introduce the strike‑everything amendment during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency next Wednesday.

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