Some people said they waited more than 12 hours to testify at a Texas House committee meeting on a bill that would tighten gun laws. HB 2744 would increase the age to buy a rifle greater than .22 caliber from 18 to 21.
The bill was filed by Democrat Tracy King who represents Uvalde.
"Had House Bill 2744 been the law in the State of Texas one year ago, 21 constituents of mine, plus the husband probably, two heroic teachers and 19 innocent children would still be alive today," he said when he brought the bill before the House Select Committee on Community Safety.
King said the bill does not attempt to restrict gun rights.
"I'm a gun guy," he said. "The last time we had a big campaign, the NRA endorsed me. I have an A rating with the NRA, or I did up until this session."
So many people signed up to speak at the committee meeting, the Texas Capitol had to open an overflow room.
"If the age limit had been 21, my daughter, 18 of her friends and two of her teachers would still be alive today," said Kimberly Rubio, whose daughter, Lexi, was among the kids killed.
Rubio said she waited 13 hours at the Capitol.
"I'm reminded of May 24, 2022 when we waited hours to be told our daughter would never come home," she told the committee. "I expressed confusion then, and I'm perplexed now. Did you think we would go home?"
"My baby was full of life and love. She never learned how to ride her bike, never made it to the fifth grade, never experienced her 15th birthday, prom, college or becoming a vet, visiting Paris or falling in love because she was murdered at nine years old," says Javier Cazares, whose daughter, Jackie, was killed.
The majority of people who spoke during the meeting were in favor of the bill. Some who spoke against it said the state should instead allow more law-abiding people to carry guns and more armed school employees.
National Rifle Association Lobbyist Tara Mica said if HB 2744 passes, it would likely wind up in court "and be found unconstitutional." She said the measure would unfairly target responsible gun owners who are under 21.
"NRA represents 18, 19 and 20 year olds who are not mass shooters," she said. "We defend the constitution."
King said the bill is written with exemptions for police and current and former members of the armed forces. He said the bill also includes exemptions for a "temporary loan" to someone who stays in the presence of the gun owner or on the property of the gun owner or on a shooting range.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news