Latest Contributions

• Texas House passes ban on devices that modify handguns, but averts vote on increasing age to buy semi-automatic rifles

  By Alejandro Serrano May 11, 2023

  A Texas lawmaker introduced an amendment that would have revived a proposal to raise the minimum age to buy certain semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21 before it was ultimately withdrawn. Full Story 

• Raise-the-age gun bill misses crucial deadline, as Uvalde parents protest outside the Texas House

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: May 9, 2023

  Days after another mass shooting in Texas, the measure to raise the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase semi-automatic rifles appears to have failed. Full Story 

• In surprise move days after Allen mall shooting, Texas House panel OKs bill raising age to buy semi-automatic rifles

  By Alejandro Serrano, Eleanor Klibanoff and Sneha Dey Updated: May 8, 2023

  The legislation would raise the minimum age for purchasing certain firearms but likely wouldn’t have been a hindrance to the Allen gunman obtaining a weapon. The bill still faces an uphill climb in the Legislature. Full Story 

• Texas kids would need parental consent to create social media accounts under House bill

  By Alejandro Serrano April 25, 2023

  The House gave initial approval to the bill Tuesday. The legislation is a priority for Speaker Dade Phelan. Full Story 

• In overnight testimony, Uvalde victims’ family members call on Texas lawmakers to raise age to buy semi-automatic guns

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: April 19, 2023

  The families of Uvalde shooting victims waited hours to testify at a House committee hearing in support of House Bill 2744, which would raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic guns from 18 to 21. Full Story 

• Texas House committee debates firearms bills filed in response to Uvalde shooting

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: April 18, 2023

  The House Select Committee on Community Safety is scheduled to hear testimony on bills that would change how people buy firearms and how authorities report those purchases. One of these bills would raise the minimum age to 21 years old to purchase certain semi-automatic rifles. Full Story 

• After years of little progress, Texas gun control and safety advocates see some small openings for dialogue at the Capitol

  By Alejandro Serrano April 18, 2023

  Many bills that would limit access to firearms or ammunition likely won’t become law anytime soon. But people who advocate at the Texas Capitol see emerging signs that there’s appetite for finding some middle ground. Full Story 

• Texas Senate passes school library bill meant to keep “harmful” materials off shelves

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: April 13, 2023

  Proponents of the bill say it will keep inappropriate material away from kids. Some librarians are concerned about the logistical challenges it could bring. Full Story 

• Texas House passes CROWN Act, which would ban hairstyle discrimination

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: April 13, 2023

  The bill seeks to ban discrimination based on certain hairstyles — like braids, dreadlocks and twists — in schools, workplaces and housing. Full Story 

• Texas House votes to permanently stay on daylight saving time. But Congress won’t allow it — yet.

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: April 12, 2023

  The chamber voted 138-5 on Wednesday to approve a bill that seeks to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. But that doesn’t mean the measure has an easy path to reality. Full Story