The bill, H.B. No. 259, proposes amendments to the Texas Penal Code regarding the possession and sale of certain firearms and related items. Specifically, it removes the classification of short-barrel firearms from the list of prohibited items under Section 46.05(a), which means that individuals will no longer be charged for possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing, or selling short-barrel firearms, provided they are registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record or classified as curios or relics. Additionally, the affirmative defense for dealing with short-barrel firearms as antiques or curios has been deleted from Section 46.05(d), and the definition of short-barrel firearms in Section 46.01(10) is repealed entirely.

The bill clarifies that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law. This legislative change reflects a significant shift in the regulation of short-barrel firearms in Texas, potentially easing restrictions for gun owners and collectors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.05, Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)