TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill bringing a special day of observation for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk just passed its first hurdle in the Florida Legislature on Tuesday.
The bill — SB 194 — was filed back in October by state Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Ft. Myers) and Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Pensacola), though it made its way into its first committee hearing on Tuesday morning.
If approved, the bill designates Oct. 14 as the “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance” — a nod to Kirk’s birthday, which falls on that same date.
Unlike holidays, special observances don’t act as a day off for state workers. But if SB 194 goes into law, Kirk would be the second person to receive his own special day of observation in Florida, alongside former President Ronald Reagan.
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“It simply recognizes his contributions that shaped a generation,” Martin said during Tuesday’s committee meeting. “Charlie Kirk made a national impact by encouraging young Americans to think critically, engage in civic life and stand up for constitutional freedoms.”
During Tuesday’s committee meeting, lawmakers approved SB 194 by a vote of 5-2. That means the bill only needs two more committee stops before it goes to a full Senate vote.
Kirk’s death made headlines after he was assassinated while speaking with students at Utah Valley University back in September.
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Since then, politicians in Florida have made several pushes to memorialize Kirk, including highway signs, a statue, and even a debate championship prize.
In addition, another bill (HB 113) seeks to rename 40 roads across the state after Charlie Kirk, all of which are located on college and university campuses.
If approved, SB 194 will take effect on July 1, 2026.