Texas considers easing restrictions on certain firearms

The move to make short-barrel firearms legal in the State of Texas is one step closer to being approved by lawmakers. Senate Bill 1596 recently cleared a key committee with a 9-2 vote and is now headed to the full Texas Senate for consideration.  This bill is stirring debate, especially because a short-barrel firearm was used in the tragic Santa Fe High shooting that took 10 lives, including eight students and two teachers. For many, that event is still fresh in memory, raising serious concerns about loosening restrictions. Supporters of the bill told lawmakers that the current laws are outdated and limit law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves. They see it as a matter of Second Amendment rights.