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HCR 2059

Phil Austin; death resolution

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Lorena Austin

A ceremonial House Concurrent Resolution memorializes Phillip A. Austin’s public service and extends condolences to his family; symbolic, with no legal effect.

Transmit to Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · HCR 2059

HCR 2059 — Phil Austin; death resolution (House Concurrent Resolution)

Summary / Purpose

House Concurrent Resolution 2059 is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Arizona Legislature’s regret at the death of Phillip A. (Phil) Austin and extending condolences to his family and friends. It recognizes Austin’s lifetime public service, civil‑rights work, community leadership in Mesa and the East Valley, and numerous civic contributions. As a concurrent resolution, it is symbolic and does not create or change legal obligations.

Key provisions

  • Officially recognizes the death of Phillip A. Austin (died December 20, 2024; born February 17, 1951).
  • Lists Austin’s education, public‑service career, community leadership, civic organizations he founded or helped form, and awards.
  • Expresses “sincere regret” at his passing and extends “deepest regrets and condolences” to his family and many friends.

Background on Phillip A. Austin (as described in the resolution)

  • Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona; family long‑time residents and operators of Albert’s Market in the Washington/Escobedo Park neighborhood.
  • Education: Santa Clara University; University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
  • Career: 16 years in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office (led the civil rights division); served as Assistant Attorney General and Chief Counsel. Instrumental in passage of Arizona’s first fair housing legislation, anti‑discrimination protections for elderly and disabled persons, and development of mediation/dispute resolution programs. Opened a downtown Mesa law firm in 1994 focusing in part on fair housing.
  • Community roles: founding member of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (created its STEAM Scholars program), established the Albert D. Austin, Jr. Memorial Fund and Albert D. Austin Mariachi Academy, helped form the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, helped establish the Alston House Center for Peace and Justice, and founded the Latino PAC del Rio Salado.
  • Honors: Phoenix Jaycee’s Three Outstanding Young Men Award, Valle de Sol Exemplary Leadership Award, NAACP Roy Wilkens Award.

Who is affected / impact

  • Primarily symbolic: recognizes Austin’s legacy and offers condolences to his family and community.
  • Affects the record of the Arizona Legislature by formally memorializing his contributions; may be used by family, community groups, and historical records.

Procedural / timeline details

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025 (Representative Austin).
  • House first reading waived; House passed (unanimously) February 17, 2025.
  • Transmitted to Senate February 17, 2025; Senate first reading and unanimous adoption February 17, 2025.
  • Transmitted to Secretary of State and filed: February 18, 2025.
  • Status: Transmitted to Secretary of State / filed (ceremonial resolution — no binding legal effect).

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

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