Texas Advances Gun Reform Bill After Recent Mass Shootings.

A bipartisan committee of the Texas Legislature has voted to advance a bill raising the minimum age to purchase AR-15-style rifles from 18 to 21. The vote is significant in a State Capitol dominated by Republicans, who have long opposed measures to restrict guns. The bill must still be considered by the entire Texas House, with deadlines to do so looming this week. Even if it were to pass, it would face almost certain rejection by the State Senate, where the hard-right lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, holds powerful control.