In a seemingly unexpected move, a Texas House of Representatives committee advanced a bill on Monday that would raise the legal age to purchase semi-automatic rifles.
San Antonio NBC affiliate WOAI reported that the panel passed House Bill (HB) 2744 on an 8-5 vote two days after a mass shooting at a suburban Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) outlet mall claimed the lives of eight people.
Among the committee members to cast votes in support of the measure to bump the age from 18 to 21 were two Republicans, State Reps. Sam Harless, of Spring, and Justin Holland, of Rockwall, Newsweek reported.
The measure’s author, State Rep. Tracy King (D-Batesville), said he’s “overwhelmed” by the development.
King filed HB 2744 on behalf of the families who lost children in the Robb Elementary School mass shooting in Uvalde nearly a year ago.
"It is an extremely emotional and moral victory for my constituents and the Uvalde families,” King said in a statement obtained by Newsweek. “I also want to thank the members and Chairman [Ryan] Guillen on this very important committee vote."
According to the online outlet, a spokesperson with Harless’ office said, "It is not his intention to capitalize with media coverage on the misery and suffering of those who have lost loved ones in these tragedies for simply voting his heart, his conscience and his district."
LegiScan showed that HB 2744 is a partisan bill sponsored by 17 Democrats.
While perceived as a small victory for the survivors of the Robb tragedy, WOAI reported, the legislation has a long way to go, with the next hurdle being House Calendars Committee, which is tasked with scheduling it for debate in the lower chamber of the Texas Legislature.
Still, for grieving family members like Laura Garza, there’s always hope.
"I can't imagine how it feels to have so much power, and yet here we are on the last day still hoping you'll do the right thing," Garza, who lost her niece, Amerie Jo Garza, said following the Texas House Community Safety Committee vote, San Antonio CBS affiliate KENS reported.