If you’re still reeling from Kacey Musgraves’ yee haw cover of Selena’s “Como La Flor,” chances are you’ll be happy to hear la reina’s legacy is getting even more recognition in Texas. As the Houston Chronicle reports, a newly introduced bill aims to designate April 16, the Queen of Tejano’s birthday, an official state holiday.
Texas House Representative Ana-Maria Ramos (D-102) is the author of the state bill. As she writes in the bill text, the holiday “may be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.” House Bill 2492 was filed in the state legislature on Tuesday, and will now be voted on by the house committee. From there, it heads to the full house, then the state senate, and then the governor.
As the Chronicle notes, several states and municipalities have honored Selena’s legacy in the past. Three weeks after her death, then-Governor George W. Bush declared April 16, 1995 “Selena Day” within the state of Texas. In 2017, Quintanilla received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and shortly after, Los Angeles officials proclaimed November 3 “Selena Day.”
Chris Perez, Selena’s widower, shared the news on Facebook. “Just heard the news! How awesome it would be…if Texas passes a bill that would designate April 16 as ‘Selena Quintanilla-Perez Day’…an official holiday in Texas!”
The Chronicle reports that the bill would go into effect on September 1, 2019 if it becomes law. Tejanos, keep your fingers crossed.