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HB 5871

Holidays: other; "Cesar E. Chavez Day"; revise to "Farm Workers Day". Amends title & sec. 1 of 2003 PA 225 (MCL 435.301).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Greene and 5 co-sponsors

Michigan HB 5871 designates March 31 as both Cesar E. Chavez Day and Farm Workers Day to honor Chavez and the contributions of farm workers.

bill electronically reproduced 04/22/2026
#holidays:other
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5871

Summary of Michigan HB 5871 (2025-2026)

Purpose

  • Amend the designation of certain state holidays in Michigan. Specifically, the bill rewrites the designation of March 31 to include both “Cesar E. Chavez Day” and “Farm Workers Day,” and maintains several existing holiday designations from previous law.

Key provisions

  • Designation changes (overall title and Sec. 1):

    • The bill amends the title and section 1 of 2003 Public Act 225 (as amended by 2023 PA 32) to designate:
    • January 30 each year as Fred Korematsu Day (retains existing recognition).
    • March 31 each year as Cesar E. Chavez Day and Farm Workers Day (the bill blends the Chavez Day designation with a new “Farm Workers Day” label in the same date).
    • July 14 each year as President Gerald R. Ford Day (retains existing recognition).
    • July 30 each year as Henry Ford Day (retains existing recognition).

  • Cesar E. Chavez Day language (Sec. 1):

    • The bill emphasizes Cesar E. Chavez’s contributions through the United Farm Workers of America, highlighting his work to improve working conditions, wages, housing, and the outlawing of child labor.
    • It notes Chavez’s nonviolent philosophy and historical impact, including civil rights organizing and voter registration efforts.
    • It references Chavez’s posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom (1994) as part of the justification for recognizing his day.

  • Farm Workers Day recognition (Sec. 1):

    • The bill formalizes a combined designation on March 31 as “Cesar E. Chavez Day” and “Farm Workers Day” (i.e., dual labeling for the same date).

  • Observance guidance (Sec. 1):

    • The bill encourages Michigan residents to pause on Cesar E. Chavez Day to reflect on Chavez’s courage and sacrifice, and to reflect on the contributions of those who work to feed the state’s population, with particular emphasis on farm workers.

Who is affected

  • Statewide observance and public recognition: The designation affects state ceremonial calendars, government buildings, and public communications that reference state holidays.
  • Farm workers and labor history: The bill aims to elevate awareness of farm workers’ contributions and working conditions on March 31, aligning public reflection with Chavez’s legacy.
  • General public: Encourages reflection on civil rights, labor organizing, and nonviolent advocacy on the designated day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced by: Rep. Veronica Paiz (with multiple co-sponsors listed: Carrie Rheingans, Reggie Miller, Mike McFall, Stephanie Young, Jaime Greene).
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Government Operations as of 2026-04-22 after introduction and first reading.
  • Effective date: The summary does not specify an effective date beyond enactment of the amended designation; presumed to follow standard legislative process if enacted (typically upon publication in the official code or as otherwise specified in the act).

Notes for readers

  • The bill preserves existing holiday designations for Fred Korematsu Day (Jan 30), President Gerald R. Ford Day (Jul 14), and Henry Ford Day (Jul 30), while adding a combined designation for Cesar E. Chavez Day and Farm Workers Day on Mar 31.
  • The textual language emphasizes Chavez’s legacy and the importance of farm workers, signaling an educational and commemorative purpose rather than creating new regulatory obligations or funding changes.

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

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