Bishop Mark J. Seitz referenced the El Paso Walmart shooting in 2019 in his opposition to H.B. 1927 on Wednesday during a news conference.
The state House legislation would eliminate the requirement for Texas residents to get a license to carry handguns if they are not already prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
Seitz joined several bishops and faith leaders in Texas, along with the Network of Texas IAF Organizations, in opposing the legislation headed to the state Senate. The network is a nonpartisan coalition of 10 primarily faith-based organizations.
The group is calling on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to protect Texans by rejecting the state House attempts to take away training and license-to-carry requirements for gun owners.