Texas Enacts New Gun Laws in Wake of Mass Shootings

Texas enacted new gun policies on Sept. 1, loosening restrictions on the carry and storage of firearms in places of religious worship, schools, and neighborhoods with homeowner’s associations.

Law S.B. No. 535 allows licensed open carry in places of religious worship, unless a “no carry” sign is filed for. The offense status for disobeying the sign was also removed, meaning that, unless specifically disallowed, handguns are permitted in synagogues, churches, and mosques. Law S.B. No. 741 prevents homeowners and neighborhood associations from restricting the ownership and storage of legal firearms, meaning that any gun-related ordinances not passed by the city, state, or country are voided. Lastly, H.B. No. 1143 prevents school districts from restricting the storage of firearms in a vehicle on school property, meaning that a licensed gun owner can legally bring a firearm on school campuses, regardless of previous restrictions.

“I would feel less safe if [a parent] had a gun…more likely than not, [the gun] would be used in a moment of anger,” Head of School Stuart Dow said. “It’s a tragedy waiting to happen.” Dow also expressed concerns about people potentially “packing heat under tallit” in places of religious worship.

Although the laws were passed in May, when the Texas Legislature was still in session, many have been quick to point out their proximity to the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Midland-Odessa on Aug. 3 and Aug. 31, respectively, believing that lax gun laws will increase gun violence.

“Instead of … background checks and strong red flag laws, Texas’ governor and legislature have made even more lax gun laws,” Moms Demand Action Founder Shannon Watts told NBC News. The anti-gun activism group has pushed for years for stronger firearm restrictions. “Four of the deadliest mass shootings in the last decade have taken place in Texas.” 

Despite the laws, Gov. Greg Abbott has maintained he is working towards addressing the issue of gun violence. Part of Abbott’s plan to protect Texas communities includes his eight new executive orders enacted on Sept. 5. These orders aim to raise awareness and increase the power of the Texas Suspicious Activity Reporting Network. Additionally, law enforcement will receive advanced training on identifying, reporting, and neutralizing armed threats. The Texas Board of Education will now also work in tandem with schools to identify suspicious behavior more quickly, and local police departments will be required to work with the State Department of Justice on crimes related to gun violence. These changes will go into effect in 30 to 60 days. However, many still feel that Abbott’s executive orders don’t do enough and are overshadowed by the Texas Senate and House bills.

“If you follow best practices, having guns loses its purpose,” Dow commented. “You can’t even have a conversation about this with people reasonably anymore.”