Texas Bill Aims to Ban All Local Gun Buyback Programs

Gun control isn't exactly a popular concept in Texas but that's not stopping state lawmakers from making a few bold moves this week.

This one's got plenty of gun-loving Texans scratching their heads. A new bill proposed would ban local governments from organizing, sponsoring, or participating in gun buyback programs.

What's a gun buyback program?

A gun buyback program is typically a voluntary initiative run by local government or police departments where residents can turn in unwanted firearms- no questions asked- typically in exchange for cash or gift cards.

The proposed bill would block that option for Texas residents. Now, you might be thinking " What Texan would voluntarily give up their gun?" That's fair, but that's also not the point.

Texas prides itself on local control, especially when it comes to gun laws. So, any government intervention causes havoc.

Lawmakers in support of the bill say buyback programs are ineffective and a misuse of taxpayer money.

Rep. West Virdell said," The bottom line is this, local governments are using public funds to buy back firearms that have little to no impact on public safety. It's a misuse of taxpayer money and does not deliver the results that citizens expect or deserve."

However, those opposed disagree. Houston County attorney Christean Menefee pushes back saying, "You have Republican legislators who take their orders from the NRA and who will do everything they can to show that they prioritize guns and that they feel that everybody should be armed to the hilt when they live in Texas.” 

Told y'all, it's getting heated and it's only begun.