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HB 1339

Change Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day

2026 Regular Session

Colorado bill renames Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day, shifting the holiday's official focus from a specific labor leader to the broader farm worker community.

Signed by the President of the Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1339

Legislative bill overview

HB 1339 proposes to rename Colorado's existing Cesar Chavez Day holiday to "Farm Workers Day." This change would preserve the holiday itself while altering its official name and presumably broadening its focus from honoring a specific historical figure to recognizing farm workers more generally.

Why is this important

The name change reflects ongoing debates about how states commemorate historical figures and social movements. Colorado currently recognizes Cesar Chavez Day as a paid holiday for state employees; renaming it shifts the emphasis from an individual labor leader to the broader farm worker community, which has real implications for how the holiday is officially framed, taught, and observed.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical representation: Some view this as diminishing recognition of Cesar Chavez's specific contributions to labor rights and the Chicano movement, while others see it as appropriately expanding focus to all farm workers
  • Intent and motivation: Questions about whether the rename reflects genuine desire to honor all farm workers or represents an effort to de-emphasize Chavez's legacy and activism
  • Holiday naming precedent: Whether state holidays should commemorate individuals or broader groups, and how this sets precedent for other commemorative days

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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