Issue Position: Gun Violence Prevention

Issue Position

As a member of the Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee of the Texas House, I understand the uphill battle we face in changing the dialogue about guns and gun violence in Texas. During a hearing in which I advocated for my bill to allow public universities to make the decision whether or not to allow guns on college campuses, I was scolded repeatedly by gun rights advocates who came close to threatening me for my bills. These "constitutional carry" supporters led to their own demise when they showed up at Speaker Bonnen's home threatening his family.

The one gun violence prevention bill that had support from advocates on all sides was Rep. Donna Howard's "Safe Storage and Suicide Prevention Public Awareness Campaign," but the bill stalled in the House. However, funding was added to the budget which calls for a Safe Storage and Suicide Prevention campaign to be disseminated across the state this September (2020). I will continue to advocate for:

* Requiring universal background checks on all gun sales and closing loopholes.
* Improving the NICS (background check database) based on DPS recommendations.
* Holding firm against permitless carry.
* More safety training for gun owners, similar to what is required for school marshals.
* Disarming domestic abusers.
* Extreme Risk/Red Flag laws similar to what 17 other states have passed.

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