AUSTIN, Texas - In the wake of two mass shootings in Texas last month, a newly-formed committee met for the first time on Tuesday to figure out ways to make sure it never happens again. 

The Texas House select committee on Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety addressed so-called red flag laws and expanding background checks.

After the mass shooting in El Paso that left 22 people dead, Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, wants to see lawmakers pass so-called red flag laws he's pushed in the past. During the hearing he specifically made the plea that domestic abusers need to stop falling through the cracks.

"We have the system in place, we've flagged them. A judge has determined this. And yet they still have weapons in their hands," Rep. Moody said.  

Lawmakers also took cues from the Governor's recently released recommendations in response to the mass shootings. Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, suggested making lying on a background check a state offense.

"And then we can decide if we want to prosecute," added Rep. Geren. 

According to the Government Accountability Office, out of the more than 100,000 people who failed a background check because they lied, only 12 were prosecuted nationwide. 

The hearing attracted both sides of the gun reform debate. Gun rights activists pushing back against red flag laws and expanded background checks.

"There's a contradiction here to say that all of these laws will stop gun violence. Gun violence is a heart problem," said Teresa Beckmeyer with Gun Owners of America.  

Gun control groups, meanwhile, are hoping the hearings will produce bold action in gun-friendly Texas. They’re pushing for requiring background checks for all private gun sales.

"If they can't pass a federal background check in Texas, they can turn around and buy it from a private seller," said Molly Bursey with Moms Demand Action.  

This time Moms Demand Action has an unlikely ally in Lt. Governor Dan Patrick who has voiced support for background checks in all private stranger-to-stranger sales.

The committee will travel across the state holding hearings over the next several months. They have 90 days to submit their findings.

Click the video link above to watch our interview with committee member Rep. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso.