As someone with a deep and abiding respect for the U.S. Constitution, I take the right to bear arms very seriously. As a member of the Texas Senate, I’ve consistently voted to protect the rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens to own a firearm for sport or personal protection. However, like many parents, I want to see practical and realistic measures taken to reduce gun violence and make our schools safer. That’s why next session I plan to work with my colleagues to increase access to mental health screenings and treatment options for all school children in Texas.