Requires that an individual be deceased for five years before they can have a holiday named after them
If passed, HB1117 will significantly change the existing framework for naming state holidays in Missouri. Currently, there is no specified waiting period for honoring individuals with a holiday. By introducing a five-year requirement, the bill aims to prevent potential misuse of the holiday designation for individuals who have only recently passed away. This change not only affects the process of recognizing individuals posthumously but could also impact the emotional and cultural processes surrounding memorialization in the state.
House Bill 1117 seeks to amend Missouri's laws regarding the designation of state holidays in honor of deceased individuals. Under this bill, an individual must be deceased for a minimum of five years before a holiday can be established in their name. However, exceptions are made for individuals who died in combat while on active military duty or as first responders, requiring only one year of being deceased for those specific cases. This amendment aims to create a more standardized timeframe for honoring individuals through state-designated holidays, reflecting a more cautious approach to recognizing deceased individuals in this manner.
The sentiment surrounding HB1117 appears to be mixed among legislators and the public. Supporters argue that the five-year requirement is reasonable and respects the gravity of honoring an individual through a state holiday. They believe this will ensure that such designations are reserved for individuals who have had a lasting impact over time. Conversely, there are concerns that this could disenfranchise deserving individuals, especially those who lost their lives in service to their community within a shorter timeframe, sparking debate on the appropriateness and implications of the proposed timeframes.
Notable points of contention arise primarily around the nuances of the waiting periods set forth in the bill. While the stipulation for military and first responder designations aims to acknowledge their service promptly, some legislators feel that it may still overlook vital stories of other public servants or influential figures who may not fit these specific categories. Hence, discussions focus on whether this bill adequately addresses how society chooses to remember and honor its heroes while balancing the need for thoughtful deliberation regarding posthumous honors.