Policy Priorities
Every Texan deserves to live free from the threat of gun violence. The work ahead is — but so is our momentum. Texas Gun Sense’s 2025-26 Policy Agenda is our roadmap for the life-saving solutions we’re championing at the Capitol and across the state. The 89th Legislative Session may have ended, but our work continues as we build toward 2027.
legislative agenda
EXPAND SECURE GUN STORAGE LAWS
Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States and Texas. They account for the majority of completed suicides, and Texas experiences the highest number of unintentional shootings annually. We must reduce risks from unsecured firearms and their role in unintentional shootings, domestic violence, school shootings, and suicide by requiring guns to be securely stored at home and in vehicles, where they are often stolen. At a minimum, Texas should strengthen its child access prevention law to keep firearms out of the hands of youth under 18.
RAISE THE AGE TO PURCHASE SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES
Texas Gun Sense continues to support Uvalde families in advocating for legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles, like the AR-15 used in the tragedy that took the lives of their loved ones. Texans overwhelmingly back this change: 76% of voters—including 64% of Republicans—support raising the legal age for all firearms to 21, aligning it with Texas’ handgun laws. Research also shows that raising the minimum age can help reduce rates of youth suicide.
DEFEND AGAINST ROLLBACKS
Over the past two decades, the Texas Legislature has passed more than 100 laws loosening gun regulations—despite broad public support for common-sense gun laws. In that time, firearm homicide and suicide rates climbed to levels not seen since the 1990s. Texas Gun Sense stands ready to oppose any legislation that puts guns in schools or other sensitive spaces, or that weakens safeguards designed to protect communities.
strategic plan
While the regular legislative session in Texas lasts just five months every two years, Texas Gun Sense remains focused on the foundational work that drives lasting, systemic change. Our strategies guide both our legislative advocacy and broader movement-building efforts.
COALITION BUILDING
Texas Gun Sense continues to lead the Texas Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and plays an active role in the Invest In Us Texas Coalition. Through these partnerships, we share resources, shape coalition strategy, and support advocates in mental health, domestic violence, youth organizing, and community violence intervention spaces. Together, we advance shared goals: safer gun policies and stronger investments in violence prevention.
MOBILIZING STAKEHOLDERS
We engage gun owners, healthcare professionals, survivors, and youth to actively advocate at the Capitol and in Texas communities. Volunteers are trained to meet with lawmakers, write op-eds, and activate their networks. Events like our Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol showcase the growing movement of supporters, experts, and advocates driving change across the state.
SHIFTING THE NARRATIVE
Texas Gun Sense monitors proposals around school safety, domestic violence, and suicide prevention to inject common-sense gun violence prevention strategies into the broader conversation. Throughout the legislative session and beyond, we lead messaging on gun policies—amplifying the voices of Texans who support gun safety and advancing practical solutions, big and small.
ADVANCING A LONG-TERM VISION
Our work builds support for long-term progress on expanded background checks, comprehensive secure gun storage policies, protections for domestic violence victims, and Extreme Risk Protection Orders. By combining policy advocacy with coalition-building and public engagement, Texas Gun Sense is shaping a safer future for communities across the state.