Two Texas mass shootings over the course of a month has Texans asking if recently enacted pro-Second Amendment gun laws will make a difference.
Eight new gun laws went into effect on September 1st. 25 News talked with the Executive Director of the statewide nonprofit organization Texas Gun Sense, who said more can be done to prevent shootings from happening than just new laws.
"Something that is very frustrating about working on gun violence prevention advocacy is that we know some things that would significantly reduce violence but we just don't have the political will to do those things," said Gyl Switzer with Texas Gun Sense.
The new gun bills are:
- Senate Bill 535: allows Texans to carry guns in churches, synagogues and other places of worship, unless otherwise banned by those places with proper signage.
- Senate Bill 741: prohibits property owners’ associations from banning storage of guns on rental properties.
- House Bill 121: provides a legal defense for licensed handgun owners who unknowingly enter an establishment that bans firearms as long as they leave when asked.
- House Bill 302: prohibits landlords from banning renters and their guests from carrying firearms in lease agreements.
- House Bill 1387: loosens restrictions on the number of school marshals can carry guns at public and private schools in Texas.
- House Bill 1177: allows Texans to carry handguns without a license during a state of disaster.
- House Bill 1143: prohibits school districts from banning licensed gun owners from storing guns and ammunition in their vehicles in parking lots.
- House Bill 2363: allows certain foster homes to store guns and ammunition in a locked location.
Switzer said the most important thing is letting people know how shootings can be prevented.
"Prevention saves lives, so it's part of the equation that we want to impact. It makes so much more sense to focus on prevention and save injuries and deaths," said Switzer.
Switzer also said being aware of the location of your gun is a major part of making sure it does not end up in the wrong hands at the wrong time.
"Always store your guns safely and your ammunition, good locks and store your ammunition separate from your firearms is what manufactures even say to do," said Switzer.
