As an American and Texan, I believe in everyone’s right to bear arms, but research shows that hindering access to lethal means for those suffering from suicidal ideation helps to save lives.  A recent study found that states with mandatory waiting periods had lower rates of suicide by gun (11.45 per 100,000 in states with waiting periods vs. 15.72 per 100,000 in states without waiting periods). Furthermore, almost 60% of suicides in Texas were committed with firearms (states with waiting periods had a suicide rate by firearms of 35.8%).

I believe that implementing mandatory waiting periods for firearms is the best solution to protect the most vulnerable of our fellow Texans as it treats everyone the same and does not unduly stigmatize or burden the mentally ill (as using the registration of the mentally ill to prevent the purchase of firearms would).

I encourage everyone to sign my petition so that we can save the lives of our fellow Texans.