“Random Acts of Kindness” Day & Others Signed by Governor Parson

Several special days were signed into law by Governor Mike Parson. A lot of these days that are pushed through the senate are designated to honor someone significant in the state or for a special day to be recognized in Missouri. One such date was chosen for the latest senate bill to be signed.

On Tuesday, July 20. the governor signed SB 72 into law creating “Random Acts of Kindness Day, among other state designations. The bill included the following:

Missourians are encouraged to remember that one small act of kindness has the power to change the course of a person’s life and the potential to impact countless lives as random acts of kindness are paid forward.

State Representative Mike McGirl originally proposed “Random Acts of Kindness Day” as a stand-alone bill, HB 202, and it was later added to SB 72 as an amendment. McGirl said the idea was inspired by constituent Lela Thompson of Cadet, who lost her daughter, Shayley Akers, to suicide. Thompson testified for the bill and attended the bill-signing ceremony in the governor’s office.

McGirl added that Washington County, which he represents, already designates such a day, which is designed to help prevent suicide. The day marks the beginning of Suicide Prevention Month, which occurs in September.

Other state designations include a bill, sponsored by Sen. Karla Eslinger, originally designated the first Friday in May each year as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day,” and had a number of similar provisions added. It marks Nov. 30 as “Mark Twain Day” and “John Jordan ‘Buck’ O’Neil Day.” It also designates May 1 as “Walthall Moore Day,” the first African American to serve in the Missouri Legislature.