In the wake of last month's mass shooting in Newtown Connecticut, Texas lawmakers continue to propose new ideas on how to keep students safe. Tuesday, Republican Sen. Tommy Williams, Democratic Sen. John Whitmire and Republican Rep. Dan Huberty announced their intention to file the "Texas School District Security Act."

The bill would allow individual school districts to create a security fund, separate from all other district funding, to pay for licensed law enforcement officers. The bill's creators say the emphasis on local control is what makes their idea different.

"I believe that school communities are smart enough to figure out what works best for them and how much they are willing to commit to solve their security issues," Sen. Williams said.

The law would also include some safeguards, including a requirement for public hearings and the ability to repeal the change through district-wide petition. One hiccup: lawmakers admit a statewide constitutional amendment might be necessary to give school districts the authority to implement such a change.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

One man who isn't shy about his thoughts on school security or gun control or is Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson. He stopped by the Capital Tonight studio Tuesday to talk about those issues and more.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

And Harvey Kronberg of The Quorum Report is looking at a possible shift among Republican voters when it comes to immigration reform. Click the video below to see the full interview.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.