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House approves Uvalde response bill establishing statewide active‑shooter protocols
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Summary
HB 33, the "Uvalde Strong Act," passed unanimously after bill author Rep. McLaughlin described the failures in the Robb Elementary response; the legislation mandates clearer chains of command, joint training and coordination to avoid future chaotic responses.
The Texas House unanimously approved HB 33, legislation prompted by the failures in law enforcement response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. The bill, carried by Rep. McLaughlin (former mayor of Uvalde), requires clearer protocols, joint training and a defined chain of command for active‑shooter and similar critical incidents.
Why it matters: The bill responds to investigations that found disorder and failed leadership during the Uvalde shooting response. Supporters said HB 33 creates mandatory coordination and training to prevent a repeat of what the author described as a chaotic, directionless response.
Rep. McLaughlin, who said he was “one of the first on the scene” in Uvalde, told colleagues the response he witnessed was “disorganized, directionless, and deadly.” He said HB 33 mandates joint training exercises, clarified chains of command, and coordination protocols between law enforcement and school districts to ensure faster, organized responses.
Law enforcement and district representatives were involved in drafting the measure, McLaughlin said, and he told the House the bill earned broad support after weeks of negotiations. Several members, including veterans and public‑safety representatives, praised the bill on the floor as a needed reform to prevent the systemic failures revealed in post‑incident reviews.
Passage: The measure passed to engrossment on a recorded vote of 147 ayes and 0 nays.
Next steps: The bill goes to the Senate. Implementation will rely on agencies and local law‑enforcement partners to develop the coordination, training schedules and protocols required under the legislation.
Actions: HB 33 (McLaughlin) — passed to engrossment, 147 ayes, 0 nays.
