Bill > HB1556

This bill modifies Texas Penal Code Section 46.06 to create new restrictions on transferring semiautomatic rifles to younger individuals. Specifically, the bill prohibits selling or giving a semiautomatic rifle capable of accepting a detachable magazine with a caliber larger than .22 to anyone under 21 years old, with some exceptions. These exceptions include transfers to peace officers, active or honorably discharged military personnel, and temporary loans for specific purposes such as target shooting at a range, hunting, sporting activities, or lawful competitions, and only when the rifle is used in the presence of or on property owned by the transferor. The bill establishes that violating these new provisions would generally be a Class A misdemeanor, with some violations potentially classified as a state jail felony. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning prior offenses will be governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1556