By Chris McNutt
After weeks of delay, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has finally released committee assignments, setting the stage for the 2025 legislative session. For gun owners, the House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs Committee—which handles firearms-related legislation—has a better-than-usual composition, with several pro-gun representatives who pledged their support for Second Amendment rights by filling out the Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) candidate survey.
State Rep. Cole Hefner (R) will chair the committee, and while it remains to be seen whether he will prioritize pro-gun legislation, the committee includes several lawmakers who have vowed to fight for the Second Amendment, including:
Mark Dorazio (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
Hillary Hickland (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
Carrie Isaac (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
AJ Louderback (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
Don McLaughlin (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
Katrina Pierson (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
While this lineup appears promising, gun owners know that no pro-gun legislation moves without grassroots pressure—even with a Republican majority. It took nearly a decade for Texas to pass Constitutional Carry, and Texas was only the 21st state to do so.
Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt stressed the importance of keeping up the pressure on lawmakers:
“Gun owners cannot sit back and assume their rights will be protected. Politicians campaign on pro-gun rhetoric, but it means nothing if they don’t follow through once in office. That’s why we must turn up the heat in Austin and ensure lawmakers prioritize gun rights in 2025.”
The Senate: A Good Committee, but Will Dan Patrick Stand in the Way?
Over in the Texas Senate, the State Affairs Committee—which typically handles gun-related bills—also has a strong pro-gun presence on paper, with Sen. Bryan Hughes (R) serving as Chairman and Sen. Angela Paxton (R) as Vice Chair. Other notable members include:
Bob Hall (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
Adam Hinojosa (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
Mayes Middleton (R) – Pro-gun TXGR Survey
However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has not listed gun rights as a priority issue, raising concerns that the Senate may stall meaningful pro-gun reforms—just like in previous sessions. Likewise, Gov. Greg Abbott has remained silent on whether he will push pro-gun legislation this year.
Gun owners must remember that the last major gun-related bill Abbott signed—Senate Bill 728—was NOT pro-gun. Instead, SB 728 expanded the unconstitutional NICS gun ban registry, codifying parts of Joe Biden and John Cornyn’s anti-gun Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) into Texas law. This is exactly why grassroots engagement is critical—because even Republican-led legislatures can pass gun control when they think no one is watching.
What’s at Stake in 2025? Texas Gun Rights’ Legislative Priorities
With the Texas Legislature back in session, TXGR is fighting to make sure lawmakers actually restore Second Amendment rights—not infringe on them like they did lastsession. Gun owners must demand that their representatives:
Ban Red Flag-style gun confiscation laws (HB 162)
Eliminate deadly “gun-free” zones (SB 83, SB 1065, HB 925, HB 1128, HB 1715, HB 1794, HB 1908, HB 2031)
Repeal unconstitutional taxes on firearms and ammunition (HB 920)
Expanded Civil Liability Protection for Gun Owners (HB 170, HB 644)
McNutt made it clear that gun owners must hold their elected officials accountable:
“Texas has Republican majorities in both chambers and a Republican governor. There is no excuse for inaction. We must ban Red Flag laws, end gun-free zones, and stop taxing our fundamental right to bear arms. It’s time for politicians to deliver on their campaign promises.”
Gun Owners Must Stay Engaged
Despite some encouraging committee assignments, gun owners cannot afford to be complacent. No pro-gun legislation will pass unless gun owners demand it. Without active engagement and relentless pressure, lawmakers could fall into the usual pattern of inaction.
Contact your legislators and demand that pro-gun legislation be a priority this session! The fight for the Second Amendment in Texas is just beginning—and gun owners must be ready to push back against compromise and inaction.
