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Senate passes 'Uvalde Strong Act' requiring active‑shooter training, reviews and reporting
Summary
The Senate unanimously approved a package of new requirements for law enforcement, schools and emergency providers to strengthen active‑shooter preparedness, reporting and cross‑agency coordination following the Robb Elementary tragedy.
The Texas Senate unanimously passed the committee substitute for House Bill 33, dubbed the "Uvalde Strong Act," establishing new statewide steps to improve preparedness, response and reporting for active‑shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities.
Senator Roland Gutierrez introduced the bill on the floor and Senator José Flores presented the legislation as a response to shortcomings revealed by the Robb Elementary School shooting. The bill requires school security reviews for newly constructed, acquired or renovated facilities; annual joint planning meetings between schools, law enforcement and first responders; and development of standardized active‑shooter response policies for municipal, county, school and campus police.
The measure also requires the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University to develop an active‑shooter training program and provides for incident evaluation and reporting by responding law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services. The bill adds requirements for certified public information officers in certain public entities to improve communications during and after incidents.
Supporters said the bill institutionalizes interagency coordination and training, while a number of senators emphasized the broader need for resources and infrastructure in rural areas and the importance of not letting the statute replace continued local training and investment. The Senate recorded final passage by voice vote with unanimous support.
The floor record shows sponsors emphasized ongoing grant programs to support training and that the accreditation provisions were removed in the committee substitute. The bill sets policy expectations for preparedness and requires periodic reporting or evaluation mechanisms to ensure agencies and schools conduct after‑action review and training.
