Texas Republicans are vowing to defy any new federal gun rules. Experts say it’s largely a symbolic gesture.

The push to steel Texas against new federal rules comes as gun violence nationwide — including a recent shooting in Bryan — has sparked Democrats to call for an assault weapons ban and stronger background checks, among other changes.

By Sami Sparber

Federal calls for action after recent mass shootings have put Gov. Greg Abbott and GOP state lawmakers on the defensive. Now they’re laying the groundwork to block federal gun regulations through legislation that would make Texas a “Second Amendment sanctuary state,” prohibiting state agencies and local governments from enforcing new federal gun rules.

Sanctuary for gun rights

Among the new federal rules the bill would block Texas from enforcing are mandatory background checks for private gun sales. After 2019’s mass shootings in El Paso and Midland-Odessa, Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick raised concerns about state laws allowing private sales between strangers without background checks.

Federal push for gun control

This story originally published by the Texas Tribune.

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3 Comments

  1. You could be going after the gang’s not the people who use their guns to hunt for food. So really look at what your doing to families who feed their kids. Gang’s are just killing who ever.

  2. Most people who own and carry guns are by far Law Abiding Citizens, who work, support and are Registered Voters. As a woman who usually runs errands here and there, should be able and allowed to have a firearm as protection.

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