You’ve probably seen the headlines or caught a snippet of a heated debate on X (formerly Twitter) lately about a new holiday. It’s not a federal bank holiday—at least not yet—but the vote on Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day is becoming a massive flashpoint in state legislatures from Florida to South Carolina.
Honestly, the speed at which this is moving is kind of wild. Just months after the tragic events of September 10, 2025, where the Turning Point USA founder was assassinated during a rally at Utah Valley University, lawmakers are scrambling to codify his legacy into the calendar. Some call it a necessary tribute to a free speech icon. Others? They see it as a deeply polarizing move that further divides an already fractured country.
But what’s actually happening in the halls of power? Let's get into the weeds of the legislation and the recent votes that are making this a reality in 2026.
The Federal Push and the October 14 Designation
It basically all started in D.C. shortly after the shooting. In late 2025, Senator Rick Scott of Florida led a resolution in the U.S. Senate—S.Res.403—to designate October 14, 2025, as a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk." Why October 14? That was Kirk's birthday. He would have been 32.
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The Senate actually passed that resolution by voice vote. It was a rare moment of (mostly) quiet in the chamber, though it’s important to note that a "simple resolution" like this doesn't create a permanent federal holiday. It's more of a formal "we recognize this happened" statement. Over in the House, things were a bit noisier. H.Res.719 saw a more divided tally, passing with 310 yeas and 58 nays. The breakdown was pretty much what you'd expect: unanimous GOP support and a very split Democratic caucus.
State Legislatures Take the Reins
The real "teeth" of this movement are appearing at the state level. This is where the vote on Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day gets complicated because state laws actually affect school calendars and government closings.
- Florida (HB 125): Representative Benarroch filed this bill in early January 2026. If it passes, it would officially designate October 14 of each year as "Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance." Florida is essentially the "home base" for much of the TPUSA leadership now, so the political will here is massive.
- South Carolina (H. 4609): Introduced just a few days ago on January 13, 2026, this bill is currently sitting in the House Committee on Education and Public Works. The language in this bill is notably intense, referring to Kirk as a "martyr for truth and faith."
- Tennessee: Representative Gino Bulso is pushing the "Charlie Kirk Act," which is an omnibus education bill. Tucked inside is a provision to make September 10—the anniversary of the assassination—the official day of observance.
It’s interesting to see the split on the dates. Some states want to celebrate his life (the birthday), while others want to mark the day political violence took him.
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What the Court Case in Utah Means for the Vote
While politicians vote on holidays, a judge in Provo, Utah, is dealing with the grim reality of the act itself. Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of the murder, was back in court on January 16, 2026. His legal team is trying to disqualify the entire Utah County prosecution team.
Why? Because a deputy county attorney’s daughter was actually at the rally when the shots were fired.
The defense argues this is a conflict of interest, especially since prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Judge Tony Graf hasn't ruled on that yet, but the "media circus" surrounding the trial is putting immense pressure on the legislative vote on Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day. Proponents of the holiday are using the trial's details—like Robinson’s alleged texts about "ending the hatred"—as proof that Kirk’s message needs a permanent day of reflection to combat political violence.
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Why This Vote Matters More Than You Think
Is it just a name on a calendar? Not really. These bills often come with "civic education" requirements. For example, the South Carolina bill encourages schools to hold programs that promote "the principles of faith, liberty, and democracy that Charlie Kirk championed."
Critics are worried. They argue that mandating the study of a partisan figure in public schools is a bridge too far. On the flip side, supporters like Senator Rick Scott argue that Charlie "welcomed the opportunity to respectfully and peacefully debate" and that a day of remembrance is about the First Amendment, not just the man.
Actionable Insights: What to Watch For Next
If you are following the vote on Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day, there are three specific things you should keep an eye on over the next month:
- Committee Hearings in South Carolina: Watch the House Committee on Education. If H. 4609 clears committee, it will likely sail through the Republican-controlled house, creating a blueprint for other red states.
- The Florida House Vote: HB 125 is expected to move fast. Florida often acts as a bellwether for conservative social policy; if it passes there, expect a dozen similar bills to pop up in the Midwest by spring.
- The Utah "Conflict of Interest" Ruling: If the prosecution is disqualified in the Tyler Robinson case, it will cause a massive delay in the trial. This delay might actually take some of the "urgent" wind out of the sails of the remembrance day bills in other states, as the public focus shifts away from the immediate tragedy.
Check your local state legislature’s website and search for "Charlie Kirk" or "Day of Remembrance" in the bill tracking search bar. Most of these votes are happening in subcommittees right now, which is where the real language of the law gets hammered out. Keep an eye on the specific requirements for schools, as that's where the most significant impact on your daily life will likely be.