Bill > HB601

This bill increases the criminal penalty for making a firearm accessible to a child from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor by removing an existing exception clause and simplifying the penalty structure. Specifically, the bill amends Section 46.13(d) of the Texas Penal Code to eliminate the previous language that allowed for a potential exception to the misdemeanor classification, thus making the offense uniformly a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also repeals Section 46.13(e) entirely, which likely contained the previous exception provisions. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025), meaning that offenses committed before this date will still be governed by the previous version of the law. This change suggests a legislative intent to create a more stringent penalty for situations where firearms are made accessible to children, potentially as a deterrent to reduce accidental shootings or child access to weapons.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB601