Vote marks lawmakers’ biggest step yet to implement new gun safety measures after the mass shooting at a Uvalde elementary school.
People browse displays during the NRA’s annual convention, Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.A Texas House committee on Monday unexpectedly passed a bill that would raise the age to purchase assault-style weapons from 18 to 21, advancing the legislation on the last possible day.
Monday’s 8-5 committee vote came just days after another mass shooting in Allen left at least eight people dead.Republican Reps. Sam Harless of Spring and Justin Holland of Rockwall joined all six Democrats to advance the measure. The room — filled with gun safety advocates — erupted in cheers after the vote. Relatives of the Uvalde victims, sitting at the front of the room, broke out in tears.
“Lexi, baby, you did it,” tweeted Kimberly Mata-Rubio, posting the message alongside a photo of her 10-year-old daughter. “You’re so powerful. You’ve reached so many hearts.”Three weeks ago, the families waited for 13 hours in a nearby room to deliver emotional testimony on the legislation.Uvalde, Santa Fe families rally for gun safety bills on five-year anniversary of Parkland massacre
The legislation includes exceptions for peace officers, military members and anyone who has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces. It also includes a provision allowing temporary loans to Texans under 18 in some circumstances, including at sports shooting ranges and on hunting trips.Submit a Letter to the Editor
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