Texas Senate Advances Bills Banning Red Flag Laws, Expanding Death Penalty

The Texas Senate has passed two significant pieces of legislation: SB 1362, which prohibits the enforcement of federal red flag laws, and SB 990, which expands death penalty eligibility for individuals convicted of murdering children aged 10 to 15. SB 1362, known as the 'Anti-Red Flag Act,' passed on a party-line vote and aims to prevent local governments from cooperating with federal gun control measures, with penalties for violations. Meanwhile, SB 990 received bipartisan support and seeks to eliminate the current exemption for child murders, allowing for capital punishment in such cases. Advocates for SB 990, including victims' families, argue it is necessary to protect children and deter future crimes. Both bills now head to the Texas House for further consideration. Proponents of these measures emphasize the importance of protecting constitutional rights and addressing violent crime against children.