Arizona Senate unanimously adopts House Concurrent Resolution honoring Phil Austin

The Arizona State Senate unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2059, honoring the late attorney and community leader Phil Austin and directing the chamber to stand in a moment of silence, the clerk announced.

The resolution, read aloud in the Senate by the clerk on a message from the House, recounted Austin’s biography and public-service record, including his work in the attorney general’s office, leadership on fair-housing and anti-discrimination initiatives, and community programs such as the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Albert D. Austin Junior Memorial Fund.

Senator Miranda, a member of the Arizona State Senate, moved adoption on the floor and asked the chamber to observe a moment of silence in Austin’s memory. “They put on a beautiful service for her father. And what I learned the most is they're a family of humor, of love, and just solid connection, full of love,” Senator Miranda said during brief remarks after the motion.

The presiding officer called for the roll; the clerk reported the ayes had it and the secretary was directed to record the action and return the resolution to the House. No numeric vote tally was announced during the proceedings.

The resolution states Austin died Dec. 20, 2024, and summarizes his career, including prior service in the attorney general’s office, his founding of a Mesa law practice, and community work on civil-rights and cultural programs. The resolution likewise extends condolences to Austin’s family and friends.

The Senate then observed the requested moment of silence. Additional remarks on the Senate floor included personal recollections offered by Senator Miranda about Austin’s family and public life.