Designates January 5 of each year as "Kappa Alpha Psi Day" in Missouri
Summary
SB 110 designates January 5 of each year as "Kappa Alpha Psi Day" in Missouri. The bill also includes findings and historical background about Kappa Alpha Psi, noting its founding date, its status as a historically Black collegiate fraternity, its connection to Missouri through founding member Henry Tourner Asher and Lincoln University of Missouri, and the organization’s community service and national prominence.
The measure is primarily ceremonial and commemorative rather than regulatory. It adds a new section to Chapter 9 of the Missouri statutes establishing the observance and encouraging Missourians to mark the day with appropriate activities and events honoring the fraternity’s founding and contributions.
Impact
SB 110 amends Chapter 9, RSMo, by adding section 9.409 to create an official state observance on January 5 as Kappa Alpha Psi Day. It does not impose duties, create penalties, or alter substantive rights; instead, it adds a commemorative designation to Missouri law and may prompt public institutions, community groups, and fraternity members to hold recognition events or educational activities.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the bill, with the Senate passing third reading unanimously, 27-0. The bill text itself is highly positive in tone, emphasizing the fraternity’s service, historical significance, and Missouri ties. No committee transcript is available, but the overall context indicates the measure was noncontroversial and received broad approval.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention around SB 110. Because the bill is a ceremonial designation, any discussion would likely center on whether the state should formally recognize a specific fraternity and whether such observances are an appropriate use of state law. The unanimous Senate vote suggests no recorded opposition, and no committee objections are provided in the available materials.