Committee recommends due pass for bill to require 9/11 instruction for grades 7–12

The House Education Committee voted to return Senate Bill 12-25 with a due pass recommendation, moving the emergency measure toward further consideration.

Sponsor Sen. Mesnard told the committee the bill “modifies requirements for instruction on 9 11 education day by requiring public schools to provide age appropriate instruction on the 9 11 terrorist attacks to students in the seventh through twelfth grades.”

Committee members heard from the sponsor and staff then took the measure to a roll call vote. The committee reported the bill out with a vote announced in the hearing as 9 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absent. The secretary recorded the motion and the chair confirmed the committee’s action.

During brief remarks before the vote, Sen. Mesnard said he had supported the earlier requirement that schools mark 9/11 but described personal concerns about mandating detailed instruction for very young children. “My 5 year old obviously doesn't know 9 11 and is not going to understand this,” he said, urging that the law be adjusted so instruction is age-appropriate and focused on seventh grade and older.

No public commenters were signed in on this bill during the committee session.

The committee’s action on SB 12-25 was recorded during the same meeting that advanced other education measures; committee staff confirmed the bill was returned with a due pass recommendation and will continue through the legislative process.