El Paso, TX – Texas just gave taxpayer-funded gun “buyback” programs the boot, and cities like El Paso are scrambling to hold one last turn-in event before the new law takes effect.
Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3053, blocking counties and cities from spending public money to collect firearms from citizens in exchange for gift cards. For gun rights advocates, it’s a clear victory against what many see as feel-good disarmament theater.
“They’ve not had any effect on reducing crime as far as gun crime in El Paso,” said El Paso Republican Party Chairman Michael Aboud. “If they want to reduce that, they should go after the violent criminals.”
For years, El Paso County offered up to $200 for rifles—including the dreaded “assault weapons” label politicians love to throw around. Now, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte says the new law “ties our hands” and plans one last buyback before the ban kicks in on September 1.
