Bill > SB1544

This bill modifies state designations by adding thirty-eight new sections to existing Missouri statutes, establishing various official recognitions and observances. It designates specific months and days for awareness campaigns, such as "Blood Donor Awareness Month" in January, "Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day" on April 22nd, and "Infertility Awareness Week" during the last full week of April, encouraging public participation in related educational activities. The bill also honors individuals like Ulysses S. Grant, Frankie Muse Freeman, William Lacy Clay Sr., and Eliot and Muriel Battle with designated days, encouraging celebrations of their contributions. Furthermore, it designates official state symbols, including the smooth chanterelle mushroom, and officially recognizes cities for specific attributes like "Rib City" (Dexter), "Barbecue Capital" (Kansas City), and "Cowbell Capital" (Belle), along with the Missouri Military Academy and the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. The bill also includes provisions for official professional football team designation and names specific portions of state highways and bridges in honor of various individuals, including military personnel and public servants, with costs for signage to be covered by private donations or the Department of Transportation. Finally, it establishes the designation of "Missouri Rock Island Trail Community" for municipalities promoting outdoor recreation and heritage tourism along the Rock Island Trail.