Rep. Raymond’s Moment of Silence Bill for 9/11 Victims Now Law

AUSTIN– HB 1501 signed by the Governor and effective immediately pays tribute to the memory of the men, women and children lost in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 and honors the heroic actions of all first responders and volunteers who aided the innocent victims by putting themselves in harm’s way following the attacks. Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, Chairman of the House Committee on Human Services, authored HB 1501 and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, Madam Chair of the Senate Committee on Government Organization, sponsored it in the Senate.

Rep. Raymond’s bill ensures a moment of silence in public schools to commemorate the 9/11 attacks in each year when September 11 falls on a school day. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the House 146 -1, 2 present, not voting and passed by the Senate 31-0. “This bill honors the memory of the almost 3,000 people who fell victim at the hands of terrorists and the impact on the families, impact on the city, and the country,” said Rep. Raymond.

The terrorist attacks of September 11 launched a widespread effort to strengthen codes and standards for first responder safety, emergency preparedness, airport security, border patrol and homeland security investigations and more. Twelve years later, those efforts continue.

“Most have vivid memories of the attacks, while those too young to remember have never known life without the threat of terrorism,” said Rep. Raymond.

HB 1501 would specify that teachers make a statement of reference to the 9/11 tragedy during the daily moment of silence each September 11.

“I remember back how the nation refused to be divided by the attacks. We came together to help heal those who were injured and support families who had lost their loved ones. We united as we always have when fighting in the face of great hurdles,” Rep. Raymond said. “Let this example sit next to the past freedom movements of our nation, such as our country’s independence, freeing of slaves, defeating fascism, which lead to the great freedom movements for racial and ethnic minorities and women during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Let this be an example to our children of how through adversity, through difficult times, you can always come out of it and rise above. I’m hoping that’s what the legacy of this bill is – to remember what a great country this is and our freedoms here,” said Rep. Raymond.