Six months ago when properly licensed Texans began openly carrying handguns, anti-gun activists and Second Amendment backers were sharply divided over what to expect. So far, gun owners seem to have the most complaints.
guns In Texas
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Dallas Attack Tests City’s Progress in Police Relations
A fragile peace settled over Dallas one day after a sniper caused the worst loss of police officer lives since September 11, but beneath calls for unity tension simmered.
Posted inState Government
Democrats Push for Gun Control in Gun-Friendly Texas
Looking to capitalize on the news Democrats made in Washington last week with a daylong sit-in on the House floor, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett returned to his gun-friendly state on Wednesday trying to drum up enthusiasm for gun control.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: Taking Direct Aim at Legislative Business as Usual
Maybe the overnight sit-in that captured Washington’s attention will keep gun control in the news. House Democrats’ effort fell short, but as Wendy Davis showed three years ago in Texas, the end of the spectacle isn’t necessarily the end of the fight.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Cornyn Warns Democrats Focusing on Wrong Issue in Orlando Massacre
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn expressed concerns Thursday that the Orlando massacre was leading to a push for legislative action that would violate the Second Amendment.
Posted in
The Ticket
After Orlando, Trump and Clinton Talk Public Safety (Audio)
This week on The Ticket: KUT’s Ben Philpott and The Texas Tribune’s Jay Root dissect terrorism speeches from Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and hear from Democratic strategist Colin Strother on whether Texas is actually in play.
Posted inState Government
State Rep Asks Attorney General if Community Colleges May Ban Handguns
A year before Texas’ campus carry law takes effect at community colleges, state Rep. Abel Herrero has asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to determine whether such institutions that offer programs for minors may prohibit concealed weapons.
Posted inState Government
Revisit Our God & Governing Series
In the 2015 Texas legislative session, state lawmakers frequently used their religious beliefs to defend their policymaking. Take a look back at “God & Governing,” our documentary-style series on the role lawmakers’ personal faith played in their legislating.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
For New UT-Dallas President, Campus Carry Debate is Personal
After watching in horror nine years ago as the building that housed his office at Virginia Tech University was attacked by a gunman, Richard Benson is preparing to lead a Texas university about to implement a new campus carry law.
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
UT/TT Poll: Texans Favor Background Checks on All Gun Sales
Texas voters overwhelmingly support mental and criminal background checks on all gun purchases in the U.S. — including gun shows and private sales, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.