Missouri House Bill HB1560

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 2/1/22
• Report Pass: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Designates September 28 as "National Good Neighbor Day" and the week of September 28 as "National Good Neighbor Week" in Missouri

Impact

The introduction of HB1560 into Missouri law represents an opportunity for local governments and organizations to promote activities that strengthen community bonds. This could include events such as neighborhood barbecues, community clean-ups, or block parties, allowing residents to engage with each other more meaningfully. By establishing an official recognition of Good Neighbor Week, the state hopes to inspire residents to prioritize neighborly interactions, which can lead to safer and more supportive mental and social environments. Such initiatives can also drive participation in community services and local governance.

Summary

House Bill 1560 aims to officially designate September 28th as 'National Good Neighbor Day' and the week following it as 'Missouri Good Neighbor Week'. The objective of this bill is to promote community bonding and encourage citizens to engage in activities that foster relationships with their neighbors. The bill is grounded in research suggesting that knowing one's neighbors can help reduce loneliness and crime while fostering a vibrant community life. This initiative highlights the importance of social relations in enhancing quality of life within neighborhoods.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1560 appears to be largely positive, with supporters viewing it as a beneficial measure for enhancing social capital within communities. Advocates argue that by creating designated times to focus on neighborly relationships, the bill will help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness prevalent in modern society. Although there are no notable public controversies or opposition recorded for this bill, there may be discussions on the effectiveness of state-sponsored campaigns in promoting social change.

Contention

While there seems to be a general consensus on the bill's positive intentions, some may contend that the government should not formally designate timeframes for community activities and that such initiatives ought to arise organically from the communities themselves. Concerns might also be raised regarding the potential impracticality or superficial nature of a week dedicated to neighborliness, questioning whether such formal designations actually motivate genuine community interaction.