State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, introduced bills that, if enacted, would empower survivors of school shootings to sue Texas state agencies, allow Texas law enforcement officials to be sued for their on-the-job conduct, create a permanent compensation fund for victims of school shootings by imposing a tax on state gun sales, and repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a federal law that shields gun sellers and manufacturers from liability.
“We can sue big tobacco when they market towards kids, but we can’t sue big guns. It’s ludicrous," Gutierrez said."How that ever got passed is beyond me and I think my Republican colleagues can get behind me on that one.” “I come here pleading with you to take notice of these common-sense gun laws that we as Americans and teachers and children need in order to live in peace,” Duran said. “Are you waiting for it to happen to you or your family before you take the time to stop this gross negligence?”
Mark Jones, professor of Political Science at Rice University in Houston, said he is doubtful any gun control policy will make it to law this session.Jones said while most Republicans view proposed reforms as infringements on their second amendment rights, legislators face a tough reality in the Uvalde case.
“[Republicans] set the agenda in the state senate. They set the committees, they set the priorities. So, they have a lot of power,” Rottinghaus told ABC News. Representative Shawn Thierry, a Democrat representing parts of south Houston, has proposed several pieces of gun control legislation but has also advocated for measures to beef up school security.