A Triggering Issue

Texas State Legislature Passes New Laws

On Sept. 1, the state legislature passed two laws that went into effect immediately regarding weapons and abortion-rights.

The first major law is House Bill 1927 which states, “Texans ages 21 and older can carry handguns without training or a license as long as they are not legally prevented from doing so.” Which as it states means an individual 21 years of age or older doesn’t have to apply for a concealed carry license anymore.

“If you know how to use them, guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” Walker Milson (9) said.

The second law going into effect is SB 8. This law “prohibits abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy” and has garnered controversy among certain groups.

“I think it’s a good law but it needs exceptions, like if a girl is raped they should not be forced to have the child but can be taken care of before 6 week,” said Kaufman City Council member Patty Patterson.

Some believe that if the pregnancy is causing the mother health and safety issues, she shouldn’t be forced to carry the child while others believe that she should keep the child no matter the circumstance.

“I’m all for this new law,” Jose Mancera (11) said. “The killing of babies should be illegal. There shouldn’t be an option for abortions at all. If you want to go do stuff use protection it’s there for a reason, if not you suffer the consequences of your actions. My body, my choice, is just an excuse to run away from responsibility.”

Overall, there are many differing opinions regarding the abortion and gun laws passed recently that will continue to be debated for some time to come.

”The gun law is not a safe law for younger people,” Patterson said. “Younger people need more structure, and women getting abortions should be supported not hated but if it’s because they had no self control they need to be held accountable.”