Texas Senate holds public hearing on violence and safety

The Texas Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety will hold a public hearing on Wednesday Oct. 30, 10 a.m., at the State Capitol, room E1.036 (Finance Room). 

Public testimony will be limited to two minutes. People submitting written testimony are asked to provide 15 copies to the committee clerk with their full name on each copy. The hearing will be chaired by State Senator (Rep.) Joan Huffman.

The committee will meet to take up the following charges:

• Consider the role digital media, dark web networks, and overall cultural issues play in the promotion of mass violence and how these contribute to the radicalization of individuals and incitement of racism, white supremacy and domestic terrorism. Research the link between violent video games and recent mass shootings in Texas and examine the impact of the overall fraying culture on mass shootings, including increased violence, tolerance for violence, and extremist views in our society.
• Study whether the state’s interest in public safety and its ability to deter violence and dangerous conduct is enhanced by prohibiting individuals from wearing masks to intimidate others, incite violence, or engage in criminal activity, while protecting First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion.