Editor's note: This column has been updated to clarify the proposed federal rule change on which gun sellers must be licensed came after the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Ed Scruggs ...

AUSTIN — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared himself willing to defy the National Rifle Association to tighten certain gun buyer background checks after mass shootings in El Paso and Midland-Odessa.

Donald Dahl, who’s been paying National Rifle Association dues since 1967, shuffled through the rotunda away from the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on April 15. That day was a long time coming ...