A bill passed by the Texas Legislature seeks to ban local gun buyback programs, requiring Governor Greg Abbott’s signature to become law. If enacted, this legislation would terminate initiatives in cities like San Antonio and Houston that have safely collected thousands of unwanted firearms in recent years, raising concerns about public safety and local governance.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Wes Virdell, argues that such programs waste taxpayer funds and offer little impact on crime rates. In contrast, proponents highlight that these buybacks provide a critical service for citizens looking to dispose of firearms safely, with recent events attracting significant public participation. As the political landscape around gun control continues to evolve in Texas, this legislation adds another layer to the state’s ongoing debate about firearm management and safety measures.
Read full story at www.houstonchronicle.com
