Southern States Advance Firearms and Judicial Security Bills

The Texas House has passed House Bill 1128, which would permit election judges to carry concealed handguns at polling locations, citing increased threats and worker retention issues, and the bill now awaits Senate consideration. This move follows a 2018 non-binding opinion by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. In Alabama, lawmakers approved a 'Speedy Trial Fund' bill to allow the chief justice to appoint visiting judges to tackle violent crime case backlogs. Alabama also advanced legislation to expand firearm possession bans to recent felons, repeat felony offenders, undocumented immigrants, and certain minors, with harsher penalties for violations. Oklahoma's legislature approved a bill allowing appellate judges and Supreme Court justices to carry firearms in courthouses to address judicial security concerns. These developments highlight a regional trend toward expanded official firearm rights and tighter restrictions for specific groups.