Texas Democrats push for gun safety laws in the wake of the Allen mall shooting
AUSTIN (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Democratic state lawmakers held an emotional news conference Monday morning in Austin, advocating for the Texas Legislature to pass new gun safety laws.
Members of both the State Senate and Texas House of Representatives spoke, alongside relatives of the victims of last year's mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde.
They focused on House Bill 2744, which would raise the legal age to 21 for someone to buy an AR-style firearm, and prohibit the sale of a firearm to someone who's intoxicated or who has an active protective order.
Just over an hour after the news conference, the House Select Committee on Community Safety approved the bill by an 8-5 vote. Two Republican members joined with all six Democrats voting yes.
The bill's prospects to be approved by the full House are still uncertain. The Republicans in control of the state government have historically been opposed to any new restrictions on guns. It is unclear what impact, if any, Saturday's deadly mass shooting in Allen will have.
READ: Political leaders comment on deadly mass shooting in Allen
State Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio), whose district includes represents Uvalde, has filed numerous gun safety related bills.
They include Senate Bill 144, which would keep guns away from people considered to be dangerous by a judge. And Senate Bill 145, which would raise the legal age to sell any firearm to 21.
Neither have received a hearing in a committee.
Both bills were referred to the State Affairs Committee Feb. 15.
Sen. Gutierrez released a statement after the Allen shooting, saying in part, "Texas lawmakers need to have the political courage to get something done about gun violence. It is sad that this has become our everyday reality. Thanks to the Republican regime that has led Texas for the last 30 years, gun laws are looser than ever."
The Republican majorities in both the Texas House and Senate don't support increasing gun restrictions in Texas.
Gov. Abbott has said the state is focused on passing bills to increase spending on mental health by $3 billion this session.
The regular legislative session ends in three weeks, so time is running out for bills to be approved.
