Texas Chapter of Moms Demand Action, Everytown Statement on Gun Laws Going into Effect Today in Wake of Mass Shooting in West Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement after several laws went into effect loosening Texas existing gun laws. The laws went into effect after seven people were shot and killed, with at least 22 more people wounded after a gunman went on a shooting spree between Odessa and Midland, Texas.

Some of the bills going into effect include: 

• HB 3231, an extreme preemption bill that would further limit the ability of Texas cities, towns and counties to pass common-sense public safety measures designed to keep their communities safe.
• HB 1387, which would increase the number of armed teachers and staff in Texas schools.

“The laws going into effect this weekend are a prime example of how our lawmakers failed us last session, and the consequences are fatal,” said Hilary Whitfield, a volunteer from the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “The shootings in El Paso, Odessa and in our communities every single day are further proof that we need to strengthen our gun laws, not strip them away. The Texas Statehouse has failed to pass legislation to keep Texans safe, so now it’s up to the U.S. Senate to do it, by passing legislation now to require background checks on all gun sales, and a strong Red Flag law.”