- The Arizona Senate proposed renaming Loop 202 after Charlie Kirk, honoring civic engagement.
- The Senate president highlighted Kirk's promotion of civil discourse and youth involvement.
- Bills face Democratic Gov. Hobbs' decision; her veto history suggests uncertainty.
PHOENIX — The Arizona state Senate on Friday finalized the introduction of two bills designed to honor the late Charlie Kirk.
The first one seeks to rename a major highway in Phoenix after Kirk, who was killed during a public event on a Utah college campus last year.
Senate President Warren Petersen, who proposed it, said in a statement that designating the Loop 202 for Kirk would be a daily reminder of the importance of civic engagement and public participation.
"He believed Americans could disagree and still engage one another civilly and respectfully. He encouraged people, especially young people, to get involved in civic life and help shape the future of their communities," said Petersen.
Part of this highway is named after Congressman Ed Pastor, who secured the federal funds to construct the road.
Another bill, proposed by Arizona State Sen. Jake Hoffman, would create a special license plate memorializing Kirk, and $17 of the proceeds from the $25 specialty plates would go to Turning Point USA, as the Arizona Mirror reported.
This bill raised concerns over conflicts of interest as Democratic lawmakers questioned Hoffman's professional ties to TPUSA. Opponents also point to Kirk's own criticisms of government funding of private organizations. Kirk defended free market principles.
Both these bills passed the state Senate with the same 16-12 margin and now move on to the Republican-controlled House.
The proposals will require Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs' signature to become law.
Hobbs hasn't indicated whether she leans one way or another, but her record shows a history of setting and breaking her own veto records each year. She vetoed 174 bills in 2025, surpassing her record of 143 in 2023.
The successful passage of the bills in Arizona came at a time when the Utah Legislature took a moment to remember the life and service of a former conservative activist, as the Deseret News reported. The legislative honor was dedicated to Kirk, his wife Erika Kirk and TPUSA.
The proposal for a Charlie Kirk statue
Hoffman also proposed a bill to authorize the creation of two memorials to honor Charlie Kirk and investigative journalist Don Bolles.
"Both were killed because of their work and their willingness to speak freely," Hoffman said. "This legislation ensures their lives and sacrifices are remembered in a way that is respectful, orderly and entirely privately funded, while preserving the integrity of our Capitol grounds."
Kirk's statue would be erected at the Wesley Bolin Plaza at the Arizona Capitol.
Arizona lawmakers on the national level are also pushing for Kirk's posthumous recognition.
During his appearance at AmericaFest in December last year, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., made calls for a statue for the late Charlie Kirk at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
"Arizona was not only Charlie's home. It was where he built an organizational empire with international reach as a teenager, where he raised a family, and developed a national following among young Americans," Warren noted in a lengthy statement on Monday.
What other states are trying to honor Charlie Kirk?
The Grand Canyon State isn't the only one trying to honor Kirk for his championing of conservative values.
One county in Texas is also considering renaming a road to "Charlie Kirk Corridor" in honor of the late Turning Point USA co-founder. Bastrop County Commissioner David Glass also praised Kirk's work in emphasizing civic engagement and free speech while inspiring tens of thousands of students across college campuses nationwide.
Hood County officials unveiled signs for the "Charlie Kirk Memorial Parkway," a 2-mile stretch of road, last week.
Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have promised to bring TPUSA chapters to all high schools in the Lone Star State.
In Florida, Lake County designated a road to Kirk, while Hernando County renamed a highway in his honor.
