Rep. Ron Simmons Commends Gov. Abbotts School Safety Plan

Measures to improve school safety include increased school security and addressing mental health issues Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas  (CARROLLTON) Representative Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) commended Governor Greg Abbotts multi-faceted School and Firearm Safety Action Plan" proposal laid out yesterday to reduce gun violence in schools following the tragic mass shooting at Santa Fe High School earlier this month. Governor Abbotts 40-page proposal laid out a myriad of solutions to reduce the risk of gun violence in schools including stricter penalties for crimes committed with firearms faster reporting times for felony convictions and mental health adjudications programs to better identify and address mental health issues in students and a more streamlined approach to monitor social media and suspicious behavior of individuals.  The plan also calls for additional school resource officers and school marshals for added security.

Governor Abbotts proposal would increase safety for the students and staff at schools across Texas while not infringing upon the rights of responsible gun owners" said Rep. Simmons.  Many of the laws we already have on the books would go a long way in ensuring the safety of our schools if they were implemented and followed."

Many of Governor Abbotts suggestions would require legislative action on the part of the Texas Legislature which is scheduled to convene for the 86^th Legislative Session on January 8 2019. Rep. Simmons said I applaud Governor Abbott for this thoughtful approach and look forward to discussing these proposals with my peers in the 86^th Legislative Session."