Governor Signs SB 72 Creating “Random Acts of Kindness” Day

July 21, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNED ‘RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS’ BILL INTO LAW – Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 72 on Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 in Jefferson City, Mo. Joining the Governor for the signing are Brady Thompson, left and Lela Thompson as he holds a photo of Shayley Akers. The “Random Acts of Kindness Day” has been observed locally in Washington County for the past few years and is now officially recognized by the State of Missouri, to be honored on the last day of August, prior to September’s Suicide Awareness Month, annually. Lela thanked the Governor for the important recognition. (State Photo)
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JEFFERSON CITY – State Rep. Mike McGirl was pleased after Gov. Parson on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, signed SB 72 into law creating “Random Acts of Kindness Day,” among other state designations.

With the governor’s signature, Aug. 31 shall now be known as “Random Acts of Kindness Day” in Missouri. On this day, 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.

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.

“Without the dedication of Lela Thompson, this bill would not have become law. I sincerely appreciate her efforts to memorialize those precious lives lost to suicide and to prevent further tragedies from occurring,” said McGirl, R-Potosi. “I would like to thank Governor Parson, Senator Karla Eslinger and Representative Travis Smith for helping get this important day recognized by our state.”

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.

Ms. Thompson has been an advocate for suicide awareness after her daughter, Shayley Akers, took her life on August 31st, 2016. She said, “Behind that beautiful smile, Shayley was hiding a silent depression, which ender her life at the very early age of 19. Shayley’s Angels was formed after her death, in her memory, as she loved helping people. We want everyone to understand that depression is an illness, not a weakness. Everyone needs someone to talk to and sometimes a random act of kindness can change the world.”

The 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.