What's happening
This bill requires New York public schools to observe a brief period of silence on September 11th Remembrance Day.
Why it matters
Encourages statewide reflection and education. By mandating a moment of silence, the bill creates an annual opportunity in every public school for students and staff to reflect on the impact of September 11th, fostering a shared sense of history and civic awareness that goes beyond classroom instruction.
Promotes inclusivity and respect. A period of silence is a non-denominational, non-political way to honor the memory of those affected by 9/11, allowing participation regardless of individual beliefs or backgrounds and ensuring the commemoration is accessible to all students.
Elevates September 11th to the level of other major observances. By grouping 9/11 Remembrance Day with holidays like Memorial Day and Flag Day in the education law, the bill signals the event’s significance in American history and ensures it remains a visible part of public memory for future generations.
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Who cares
Headline styles
9/11 School Moment of Silence
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Signed chap.248
- Delivered to governor
- Returned to senate
- Passed assembly
- Ordered to third reading rules cal.97
- Substituted for A1801B
- Referred to education
- Returned to assembly
- Repassed senate
- Amended on third reading (t) 4166a
- Vote reconsidered - restored to third reading
- Returned to senate
Show 8 earlier actions
- Recalled from assembly
- Referred to education
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.708
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
September 11th Moment of Silence
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Stacey Pheffer Amato
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4166--A Cal. No. 708
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 4, 2019
Introduced by Sens. ADDABBO, JORDAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education -reported favorably from said committee, ordered to first and second report, ordered to a third reading, passed by Senate and delivered to the Assembly, recalled, vote reconsidered, restored to third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to providing for the observance of September 11th Remembrance Day and providing for the observance of a brief period of silence on such day
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 802 of the education law is amended to read as follows:
2. a. It shall also be [his] the duty of the commissioner to make special provision for the observance in the public schools of Lincoln's birthday, Washington's birthday, Memorial day and Flag day, and such other legal holidays of like character as may be hereafter designated by law when the legislature makes an appropriation therefor.
b. It shall also be the duty of the commissioner to make special provision for the observance of a brief period of silence for September 11th Remembrance Day.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03730-04-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing for the observance of September 11th Remembrance Day and providing for the observance of a brief period of silence on such day
Purpose or general idea of bill
This legislation would mandate a brief moment of silent reflection and in public schools state-wide at the start of the school day on every September 11th to encourage dialogue and education in the classroom, and ensure that future generations have an understanding of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks and their place in the history of our state and the nation
Summary of provisions
The act amends subdivision 2(a) of section 802 of the education law to direct the State Education Commissioner to make special provision for the observance of September 11th Remembrance Day in Public Schools.
The act further amends section 802 of the education law by introducing subdivision 2(b), which mandates that the State Education Commissioner direct public school classroom teachers to observe a brief period of silence with the participation of all pupils assembled at the opening of the school day on the 11th of September, known as the September 11th Remembrance Day.
The act further stipulates that said period shall not be conducted as a religious exercise, but shall be an opportunity for silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day
Justification
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 were a defining moment in the history of New York State and of the country. The tremendous loss caused by this unspeakable act was most acutely felt by the many citi- zens of our great state, many of who suffered great personal loss in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. As the average school-age citizen of our state may have no personal recollection of these events, having not yet been born in 2001, it is imperative that our public education system take the time to educate students in both the loss and heroism experi- enced on September 11th. By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year on the September 11th Remembrance Day, we may ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its place in our history
Prior legislative history
New Bill
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.