Today the select committee of the Texas Senate charged with reviewing school violence and security measures released its interim report, making official the committee’s opposition to proposed “red flag” laws, which would allow guns to be confiscated without due process from those suspected to have mental health issues.
The committee, chaired by State Sen. Larry Taylor (R–Friendswood), held a hearing at the Texas Capitol to consider the proposal last week.
After support and opposition for the proposal fell largely on party lines, with Democrats largely supporting the proposal and Republicans standing in opposition, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick publicly declared the bill dead, stating, “I have never supported these policies, nor has the majority of the Texas Senate.”
The committee’s recommendation on the “red flag” charge instead recommended some potential legislative cleanup clarifying current statutes concerning gun confiscation from those convicted of domestic violence, and when firearms may be returned to previously detained individuals no longer declared to be a risk.
The full report may be viewed here.