The Debate Ahead on Guns in Texas
The 2013 Legislature will address at least five bills on guns. Photo by Liang Shi/KUT News
In the wake of last week’s school shooting in Connecticut, many states including Texas are examining their gun laws.
In Texas, five bills relating to firearms had already been filed ahead of the session before Friday. A couple were related to the state’s permit to carry concealed handguns; one would reduce the hours of instruction needed to acquire a permit.
So far only one bill, by Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Kingland, attempts to expand where a person can carry a gun in Texas. It would allow people with concealed-carry permits or officials, including school board members and superintendents, to bring guns to school board meetings.
More gun bills are expected, including one that would allow people to openly carry a gun in a holster.
No bills have been filed yet in response to the Connecticut shootings, although school safety, whether it’s addressed with guns or other measures, could play a substantial part in the 2013 session. There could be another attempt to allow guns on public and private college campuses.
Today, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and the Texas School Safety Center reported that 38 school districts have yet to file a required safety audit, which must be done every three years. Forty districts have done the audit but are not in compliance.
