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Bill

AJR 168

Designates April 10 of each year as "Dolores Huerta Day."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchelle Drulis and 4 co-sponsors

Designates April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day in New Jersey to observe her leadership in labor rights and social justice through annual proclamations and programs.

Introduced, 1st Reading without Reference, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · AJR 168

Summary of AJR 168 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose

AJR 168 designates April 10 of each year as “Dolores Huerta Day” in New Jersey. The resolution honors Dolores Huerta for her leadership as a community organizer, labor rights advocate, and advocate for equality for women and Latinos, and requests annual observance through a gubernatorial proclamation and public programs.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation of a commemorative day

    • April 10 of every year is officially designated in New Jersey as “Dolores Huerta Day.”

  2. Executive proclamation

    • The Governor is urged to issue an annual proclamation calling on public officials and New Jersey citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

  3. Effective date

    • The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Context and Rationale Included in the Bill

  • The bill provides a biographical overview of Dolores Huerta, highlighting:
    • Her birth date (April 10, 1930) and early experiences with discrimination.
    • Her role in founding the Stockton chapter of the Community Service Organization (CSO) and co-founding the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which became the United Farm Workers’ Union (UFW).
    • Huerta’s leadership in organizing strikes, negotiating farmworker contracts, and supporting nationwide boycotts that contributed to legislative changes, including the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975.
    • Her advocacy for workers’ rights, Latino and women’s political representation, and gender equality.
    • Her experience as a survivor of sexual assault and abuse, her public sharing of those experiences, and her ongoing activism (including work with the Dolores Huerta Foundation).
    • Recognition such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012) and her enduring influence on social justice movements.

Potential Impact

  • Cultural and educational impact: Establishes a state-recognized day to raise awareness of Huerta’s contributions to labor, civil rights, and gender equality; may prompt school and community programs, exhibitions, or commemorative events.
  • Public official engagement: Encourages state and local government and citizens to participate in observances, potentially involving public schools, libraries, community organizations, and labor groups.
  • Symbolic significance: The day serves as a formal acknowledgment of Huerta’s impact on farmworker rights and social justice, reinforcing historical memory and educational storytelling about civil rights struggles.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative status: Introduced March 19, 2026; language indicates immediate effect once enacted.
  • Sponsorship: Primary sponsors include multiple lawmakers and several co-sponsors listed (Shanique Speight, Roy Freiman, Mitchelle Drulis, Anthony Verrelli, Annette Quijano).
  • Contemporary note: The bill includes a statement acknowledging recent media accounts about Cesar Chavez and clarifies the intent to honor Dolores Huerta’s leadership and impact, emphasizing survivor advocacy and separating Huerta’s legacy from Chavez’s allegations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Residents of New Jersey, including students, educators, public officials, and community organizations, who may observe Dolores Huerta Day through events, proclamations, and related activities.
  • Public schools and libraries that might integrate Huerta’s history and legacy into curricula or programming.

Overall, AJR 168 is a commemorative measure aimed at recognizing Dolores Huerta’s contributions to labor rights and social justice and encouraging annual observances by state and local entities.

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

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