Texas Senate Approves ‘Uvalde Strong Act’ to Reform Emergency Protocols

The Texas Senate unanimously approved the “Uvalde Strong Act” on Monday, bringing the legislation one step closer to becoming law. House Bill 33, introduced by Rep. Don McLaughlin (R-Uvalde) and carried in the Senate by Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton), aims to overhaul how law enforcement agencies coordinate during active shooter incidents.

Promoted by the devastating 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, the bill seeks to correct failures identified in the aftermath of the tragedy, particularly around command structure and emergency response.

“On May 24, 2022, the Uvalde community tragically lost 19 students and two teachers during a school shooting at Robb Elementary,” Flores said. “This tragedy has exposed critical failures in law enforcement preparedness, response coordination, school safety protocols, making it clear that Texas must take action to address our current shortcomings and future readiness for active shooter situations,” he added, as reported by The Texan.

Under the proposed law, the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) would be tasked with creating a standardized chain of command for use in active shooter scenarios. It would also enable agencies to enter into mutual aid agreements and strengthen requirements for emergency response training.

A key revision in the Senate’s version modifies the bill’s funding structure. Initially set to create a statewide active shooter accreditation grant program, the legislation now includes a more flexible grant model. It supports voluntary training for first responders and emergency communicators through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center. The change reduces the bill’s expected cost from $140 million to a currently unspecified, but lower, amount.

Sen. Flores emphasized the importance of coordination during high-stress events, noting the confusion that delayed the Uvalde response. “We need to ensure our responders know exactly who’s in charge and how to act as a unit. This principle is well established in the military and emergency management, and it must apply here too,” he said.

Given the broad bipartisan support and the urgency surrounding the measure, final approval and Governor Greg Abbott’s signature are mostly expected in the coming days. House Bill 33 reflects a determined effort by Texas lawmakers to confront the failures exposed by the Uvalde tragedy and to strengthen emergency preparedness and coordination moving forward.

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