CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bill introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates would create a new state holiday honoring free speech and the legacy of Charlie Kirk.
House Bill 4797, introduced by Jonathan Pinson (R-Mason), proposes establishing a new legal holiday called First Amendment Freedom of Speech Day. Under the bill, the holiday would be observed each year on October 14, or on the Friday immediately following October 14.
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The proposed holiday is tied to the birthday of Charlie Kirk and would be part of a broader observance titled First Amendment Freedom of Speech Appreciation Week.
Together, the changes would be known in state law as “The Charlie Kirk Memorial First Amendment Freedom Act.”
According to the bill, the purpose of the new holiday and memorial week is to honor and preserve freedom of speech as protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the West Virginia Constitution. The legislation directs the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the observance.
The bill also outlines educational components tied to the holiday. The State Department of Education would be required to implement activities for students that recognize the importance of free speech and civil debate, as well as the contributions of individuals whose public lives have been dedicated to First Amendment rights.
If passed, First Amendment Freedom of Speech Day would be added to the state’s official list of legal holidays, affecting state government operations in the same manner as other recognized holidays.
House Bill 4797 was introduced on January 23, 2026, and has been referred to the House Committee on Government Organization, followed by the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
