Rep. Don McLaughlin announced that House Bill 33, known as the Uvalde Strong Act, has garnered support from 76 authors, including himself. The announcement was made in a press release and posted on X on March 19, 2025.
According to the press release by McLaughlin, House Bill 33 is scheduled for committee review on March 19. If approved, it will introduce standardized law enforcement response protocols, mandate regular joint training exercises, and allocate resources to enhance school and first responder preparedness. The legislation aims to reform Texas' school safety measures by ensuring all law enforcement agencies follow coordinated procedures during emergencies, including active shooter situations.
"House Bill 33 is not about politics. It's about protecting our children," said McLaughlin. "The failures at Robb Elementary in 2022 must never happen again, and this bill is a critical step toward ensuring they don't. I am honored to have earned the support of 75 of my colleagues in this effort to close the dangerous gaps in our active shooter response plans."
Rep. Don McLaughlin's post
| X
The Uvalde Strong Act seeks to address weaknesses in law enforcement preparedness and emergency response exposed by the May 24 tragedy. It establishes standardized crisis response policies, enhances coordination among agencies, and ensures officers receive proper training and tactical equipment. The act also promotes collaboration between schools, first responders, and local governments under a unified crisis framework. Additionally, it emphasizes recovery efforts by providing support for first responders, requiring thorough post-incident evaluations, and investing in long-term safety improvements. These measures are designed to strengthen crisis response, prevent future tragedies, and enhance community safety and resilience.
McLaughlin serves District 80. He was the mayor of Uvalde from 2014 to 2024 and was in office during the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. He is a founding member of the Cactus Jack Foundation, which supports local children through school incentives. He is also a small business owner with over 100 employees and has experience in job creation and economic development.
