Bill > SB1657

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to restrict the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to individuals under 21 years of age, with some specific exceptions. The legislation modifies existing law by creating new restrictions on selling, renting, leasing, loaning, or giving semiautomatic rifles that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine and have a caliber greater than .22 to people younger than 21. The bill provides exceptions for transfers to peace officers, active or honorably discharged military personnel, and temporary loans under specific circumstances, such as when the rifle is used in the presence of the transferor, on the transferor's property, at a shooting range, or during a lawful firearms competition. Violations of these new provisions would generally be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, with potential elevation to a state jail felony depending on the specific circumstances. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, which is the bill's specified effective date. This legislation represents an effort to more tightly regulate firearm transfers to younger individuals, with a particular focus on semiautomatic rifles that meet certain technical specifications.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1657