Texas House Panel Advances Bill , to Raise Age for Buying Semi-Automatic Guns.
The new measure was approved in an 8-5 vote by the Select Committee on Community Safety on May 8.
Two Republicans supported the Democratic bill.
The committee's approval comes after nine people were shot and killed at a mall in Dallas over the weekend.
If enacted, the legislation would change the minimum age for buying a semi-automatic rifle that is more than a .22 caliber with a detachable magazine.
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Purchasers would have to be 21 instead of 18.
The bill must still make it through the House, where it will likely face opposition from the Republican majority.
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The Senate and Governor's Mansion are also controlled by Republicans.
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Gov.
Greg Abbott issued a statement after the recent mall shooting, saying the "root cause" of gun violence is mental health.
There has been a dramatic increase in the amount of anger and violence that’s taking place in America, Gov.
Greg Abbott, via statement.
People want a quick solution.
The long-term solution here is to address the mental health issue, Gov.
Greg Abbott, via statement
