Several measures were passed during the 89th Legislative Session by state lawmakers aimed at preserving the rights of Texas gun owners.
Now, the legislation is set to take effect in September, only awaiting a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott.
“Through relentless grassroots efforts, TXGR members and supporters made their voices heard—calling, emailing, and even showing up at the Capitol throughout the entire session,” Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights, told Texas Scorecard.
“The legislature responded decisively, passing critical measures like SB 1362 to block red flag laws that undermine due process and SB 1596 to remove short-barrel firearms from the state’s prohibited weapons list, aligning with our broader efforts to eliminate the NFA.”
Senate Bill 1362 prohibits the state from observing and enforcing red flag gun laws unless the state of Texas passes such a law. The measure also makes it a criminal offense to implement red flag laws from outside of Texas or at the federal level.
Senate Bill 1596 removes short-barrel rifles and shotguns from the state’s list of prohibited weapons. The criminalization of owning short-barrel rifles and shotguns has been in place since the 1930s.
“We had direct, productive discussions with Lt. Governor Patrick and Speaker Burrows, emphasizing the urgency of these priorities,” said McNutt. “Additionally, bills like HB 1403 to protect foster parents’ privacy, HB 3053 to end ineffective municipal gun ‘buyback’ programs, and SB 706 to establish universal concealed carry reciprocity reflect the will of the people.”
Two other measures, House Bill 3053, which bars the practice of firearm buyback programs by local governments, and Senate Bill 706, which recognizes handgun licenses from other states, are also awaiting Abbott’s signature. Although Texas already recognizes certain out-of-state-issued licenses, SB 706 broadens the scope of recognition and simplifies the process for out-of-state visitors to carry a handgun.
House Bill 1403 protects the privacy of foster parents by barring child-placing agencies from requiring them to “disclose the specific types of firearms that are present in the home; or notify the child-placing agency if there is any change in the types of firearms that are present in the home.”
“This success belongs to the dedicated Texans who took action,” McNutt continued. “We’re confident Governor Abbott will sign these bills into law, and we remain committed to defending the Second Amendment for all.”
