June 17, 2025

A new study published last week in JAMA Pediatrics confirms what we’ve always believed: state action saves lives — especially when it comes to protecting children from gun violence.

The study looked at the 13 years following the 2010 Supreme Court decision that weakened the ability of states and cities to regulate firearms. In that time, 7,400 more children died from gun injuries than expected nationwide.

But here’s the hopeful part:

In the nine states with the strongest gun laws, youth firearm deaths did not increase. In four of them—California, Maryland, New York, and Rhode Island—child deaths actually went down.

In Texas, where our gun laws are weak, pediatric firearm deaths have surged by 31.6% since 2010. That’s unacceptable — but it’s also something we have the power to change.

Even as the Trump Administration dismantles federal gun violence prevention programs — from closing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to legalizing dangerous devices like forced-reset triggers — we know that state leaders can act to protect our kids.

And with your support, we can push them to do it.

At Texas Gun Sense, we’re urging lawmakers to support legislation to raise the age to purchase semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21, strengthen secure firearm storage, invest in community violence intervention programs to address the root causes of gun violence, and vote against rollbacks that would further weaken our gun laws.

These are evidence-based, life-saving strategies — and thanks to you, we’re in the fight to make them law.

If this news lights a fire in you like it does in us, we hope you’ll stay involved or make a gift to help us keep pushing for stronger policies, bolder leadership, and safer futures for all children.

Because every child deserves the freedom to learn, grow, and play without fear.

With hope for our future,