In a heated Senate session on May 28, 2025, lawmakers faced off over critical legislation addressing gun violence and election integrity. The most contentious moment came with the opposition to House Bill 3053, which aimed to limit local governments' ability to implement gun safety measures. Senator Cook passionately urged his colleagues to reject the bill, highlighting the urgent need for localities to take action against the gun violence epidemic. "No gun buybacks, no extreme risk protection orders... Localities are just trying to save some lives," he stated, emphasizing that successful gun buyback programs often follow mass casualty events.

Despite the opposition, the Senate passed House Bill 3053 with a vote of 20 to 11, signaling a significant step in the ongoing debate over gun control in Texas. The session also saw the passage of House Bill 5115, which increases penalties for election fraud, and House Bill 5138, empowering the Attorney General to prosecute election law violations. Both bills passed with similar margins, reflecting a strong legislative push on these issues.

As the session concluded, the Senate prepared for a local and uncontested calendar review, with plans to reconvene the following day. The decisions made in this session are poised to have lasting impacts on public safety and electoral integrity in Texas, as lawmakers navigate the complexities of these pressing issues.