On Friday, May 17, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee voted to advance HB 3231, an extreme preemption bill that would further limit the ability of Texas cities, towns and counties to pass common-sense public safety measures designed to keep their communities safe. HB 3231 would even allow the attorney general to recover court fees and investigative costs, incentivizing the attorney general to challenge a broader range of ordinances at taxpayer expense. The bill will now head to a vote on the Senate floor.
This bill is an attempt to punish local officials who are taking steps to prevent gun violence. Volunteers with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense America testified at the hearing, and the cities of Dallas, San Antonio and Houston have opposed the bill. More information on firearm preemption laws is available here.
