The Texas Department of Public Safety temporarily ended its partnership with the Austin Police Department on Saturday after the expiration of Title 42.
"These extremists dare claim to be for life, but instead of acting to save lives from gun violence, extremists state by state made it legal to open carry a gun without even a permit or background checks," Harris stated.
Spending breakdown includes $2.3 million on duty ammunition, $1.2 million on ballistic shields, and a further $1.3 million on "various other gear for criminal investigation agents."
State Sen. Lynda Wilson (R-Vancouver) criticized the legislation, stating, “HB 1240 clearly violates our state and federal constitutions, which is why it will end up in court immediately."
According to a report from The Trace, one-fifth of U.S. households purchased guns during the COVID pandemic, resulting in more than 15 million Americans keeping firearms in their homes for the first time.
