Press release from the office of State Senator Roland Gutierrez
After a morning of action by Uvalde families, State Senator Roland Guiterrez, House, and Senate Democratic caucus, HB 2744 voted out of committee 8-5
Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas House Select Committee on Community Safety voted 8 – 5 to pass H.B. 2744, which would raise the age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle to 21, with exceptions for military and law enforcement. The vote comes on the heels of this morning’s press conference with Uvalde families and state Democrats demanding action on gun safety legislation.
“We can’t keep waiting for another tragedy for legislation on gun safety. Nothing can bring back the lives we’ve lost, but this will help to save lives in the future. We need to see this bill passed,” said Senator Gutierrez. “Semiautomatic rifles, weapons of war, are being used to hurt our children, families running errands, concertgoers, and grocery shoppers. If Texas Republicans aren’t going to vote to help protect our families, then they better step out of our way.”
HB 2744 will move on to the House Calendars Committee to be considered for a House floor vote. The Texas Legislature has three weeks to consider this vital piece of legislation before the session concludes on May 29th.
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Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.
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