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Texas Lawmakers to Hear Controversial Gun Bills Thursday


At the Capitol Thursday morning, Texas lawmakers will take up the controversial issue of guns in schools. But they won't be the only ones speaking: one high-profile shooting victim will also be there.

Claire Wilson James, a survivor of the University of Texas tower shooting in 1966, and a teacher of 30 years, is expected to testify against the bills, arguing that the role of teachers and law enforcement are two different jobs that shouldn't be combined.

Ten bills related to guns are set for a public hearing on Thursday morning, but two are getting the most attention. House Bill 972 would force colleges and universities to allow concealed handguns on campuses. House Bill 1009 would let educators become trained as school marshals, a concept similar to that of an Air Marshal. The school marshal program would be optional for districts.
 
The Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee public hearings start at 8 a.m.

By Adam Bennett