Texas state leaders are calling for the passage of gun reform legislation in wake of this weekend's mass shooting in Allen.

160+ activists gathered in the state Capitol Mon. to call on the state House to advance House Bill 2744. (ABC News)

What is House Bill 2744? The bill would raise the age to buy assault rifle-style weapons from 18 to 21. (ABC News)

Texas Democrats took to the podium Mon. to call for the bill's passage, noting Sat.'s mass shooting at a mall in Allen.

Sat.'s mass shooting was the nation's second deadliest this year so far: eight were killed, including two children. (CNN)

According to CNN, the gunman used a legally purchased "AR-15-style weapon" to carry out the shooting.

Several Uvalde families also spoke out Mon. in favor of the bill's passage.

Berlinda Arreola: "Here we are begging for a vote on the last day to make it happen."

The Community Safety Committee voted 8-5 Mon. to send the bill to the House floor for a vote. (Texas Tribune)