Bill > SB356

This bill expands the existing Texas Penal Code provisions regarding unlawful firearm transfer by replacing specific references to "handgun" with the broader term "firearm" across multiple scenarios of illegal transfer. The bill maintains existing prohibitions while broadening their scope, such as making it an offense to transfer a firearm to someone who intends to use it unlawfully, sell a firearm to a minor under 18, sell firearms to an intoxicated person, sell firearms to someone with a recent felony conviction, transfer a firearm to someone with an active protective order against them, or purchase a firearm while under a protective order. Additionally, the bill continues to prohibit making false statements on firearm purchase forms while being legally prohibited from possessing firearms. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with previous offenses still governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense. This legislative update appears aimed at creating more comprehensive firearm transfer regulations by expanding the definition and circumstances of unlawful transfer beyond the previous handgun-specific language.