Texas House Bill HB4472

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23

Caption

Relating to requiring the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas School Safety Center to provide information and resources regarding safe firearm storage to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools for distribution to the parents or legal custodians of students.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4472 could significantly impact local education policies by requiring schools to take an active role in disseminating important safety information related to firearms. The bill will ensure that parents and legal custodians receive guidance on preventing children from accessing guns, thereby contributing to a safer environment in and around schools. The distribution of this information is intended to facilitate conversations within families about firearm safety and reduce incidents involving children and firearms.

Summary

House Bill 4472, introduced by Chairman Dutton, aims to enhance school safety by addressing the issue of firearm access by children. The bill mandates the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas School Safety Center to provide information and resources regarding safe firearm storage to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. This initiative is particularly relevant in light of rising concerns about children accessing firearms, as highlighted in various testimonies during committee discussions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4472 is largely supportive among advocacy groups focused on gun safety. Organizations like Moms Demand Action and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence have expressed strong backing for the bill, emphasizing its potential to save lives by promoting responsible gun storage practices. However, discussions also revealed underlying tensions related to individual rights and responsibilities, as the bill intersects with broader debates about gun ownership and safety regulations in Texas.

Contention

Notable contention arose over the extent to which schools should be involved in firearm safety education, with some arguing that the responsibility for gun storage should rest solely with parents and guardians. Additionally, critics may raise concerns about the feasibility of implementing such measures within schools and whether the bill adequately addresses the broader issues related to gun violence in Texas. The discussions reflect a critical evaluation of how best to balance gun rights with the imperative of protecting children from potential harm.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
  • Section: 221