GIFFORDS celebrates gun safety wins as Texas legislative session comes to a close

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, celebrated important wins for gun safety in the Lone Star State as the session draws to a close. 

GIFFORDS played a critical role in securing $2 million in bipartisan-supported funding for community violence intervention programs in Texas, which are designed to stop gun violence before it ever happens. This investment by the state into these lifesaving programs is the first of its kind in Texas, and is a critical step forward for gun safety in red states. 4,561 Texans were killed by guns in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for gun safety efforts in the state. 

GIFFORDS was also instrumental in stopping extreme and dangerous legislation pushed by gun lobby–funded lawmakers, including bills that would allow guns in polling places, reduce the age to own a handgun to 18 and eliminate gun free zones. GIFFORDS invited policy experts, survivors, gun owners and GIFFORDS Courage Fellows to testify on behalf of safe gun laws at the Texas state capitol, where their voices made a difference.

“This year, GIFFORDS made huge strides in my home state and I’m incredibly proud of our work,” said Roger Garza, Texas State Director and Special Advisor at GIFFORDS. “With the first-ever funding won for community violence intervention in this state, Texas will be able to support street outreach programs, distribute lifesaving resources and aid victims. Funding like this saves lives and reduces crime every single day, and Texas will be a safer place because of it.”