AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas state lawmakers are expected to hold committee meetings surrounding ways to better protect Texas children later this month.
The committee’s were formed after Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed state leaders in a letter to convene them in the wake of the elementary school massacre in Uvalde. 19 students and 2 teachers were killed in that attack, according to Texas DPS.
“As Texans mourn the tragedy that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde last week, we as a State must reassess the twin issues of school safety and mass violence,” reads the letter. “As leaders, we must come together at this time to provide solutions to protect all Texans. Accordingly, I hereby request that each of you convene a special legislative committee. I look forward to working with you both on this important mission to make Texas safer, and I stand ready to provide any and all support.”
The Governor charged the committees with examining and developing legislative recommendations on school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more.
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced this week that Republican Senator Robert Nichols will serve as Chair. Republican Senators Brandon Creighton and Lois Kolkhorst will serve as Co-Vice Chairs.
“I have asked Chair Nichols to hold his hearing on June 23 or a date shortly thereafter,” said Lt. Gov. Patrick. “I want to give the families and the community of Uvalde time to complete all funeral services before beginning hearings so those who wish to testify may take part. I have asked Chair Nichols to coordinate with the House of Representatives Chair to hold their hearings on the same date, if possible, to accommodate both invited and public witnesses.”
The Senators assigned to the committee by the Lieutenant Governor include:
Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville
Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe
Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham
Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston
Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury
Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels
Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen
Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Tyler
Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock
Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas
Meanwhile, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, on Friday, established the House Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting to conduct an examination into the circumstances surrounding the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
“The fact we still do not have an accurate picture of what exactly happened in Uvalde is an outrage,” said Speaker Dade Phelan. “Every day, we receive new information that conflicts with previous reports, making it not only difficult for authorities to figure out next steps, but for the grieving families of the victims to receive closure. I established this investigative committee for the dedicated purpose of gathering as much information and evidence as possible to help inform the House’s response to this tragedy and deliver desperately needed answers to the people of Uvalde and the State of Texas.”
The following individuals have been appointed to the committee:
Rep. Dustin Burrows, Chair
Rep. Joe Moody, Vice Chair
The Honorable Eva Guzman, Member
Speaker Phelan added, “these individuals possess decades of experience in civil and criminal litigation matters – skill sets I believe make them best equipped to meet the objectives of this committee and its investigation. I know each of them to be diligent, thorough, and focused professionals whom I trust will do everything in their power to deliver facts and answers at a time when they are needed most.”
The investigative committee, which possesses the power of subpoena and is authorized to conduct depositions and initiate discovery, is tasked with collecting and analyzing evidence from law enforcement, making comprehensive findings, and reporting its conclusions as soon as possible to help inform the work of the House.
In addition to the formation of the new investigative committee, Speaker Phelan also issued a series of joint charges to the Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety and Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee. Six additional House members have been appointed to the Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety – five of whom represent cities that have experienced a mass shooting in recent years.
The following members have received appointments:
Rep. Greg Bonnen (representing Santa Fe)
Rep. Mary Gonzalez (representing El Paso)
Rep. Tracy King (representing Uvalde)
Rep. John Kuempel (representing Sutherland Springs)
Rep. Brooks Landgraf (representing Odessa)
Rep. Drew Darby has also been appointed to serve on this committee, as he recently served as the Chair of the House Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety, which was formed in the 86th Legislature to study the occurrence, impact, and prevention of mass violence in the State of Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott thanked Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan for responding to his request to establish special legislative committees.
“The true spirit of Texas is helping lift up one another in times of need and hardship, and we must come together now as Texans to support the Uvalde community and prevent future tragedies in this state,” said Governor Abbott. “I commend Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Phelan, and members of the Texas legislature for swiftly responding to my request to convene special legislative committees and provide solutions on these issues critical to protecting all Texans.”
The Governor said that as the State of Texas continues providing resources to assist and support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community, he looks forward to working with both chambers on lasting solutions.
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