The bill amends Section 46.06 of the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to individuals under the age of 21, specifically those capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22. It creates a criminal offense for selling, renting, leasing, or giving such firearms to these individuals, while also establishing exceptions for transfers to peace officers or honorably discharged military personnel, as well as temporary loans under specific conditions. The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding the sale of handguns to minors and clarifies the penalties associated with these offenses.

Additionally, the bill increases the penalties for violations related to the transfer of semiautomatic rifles and establishes that offenses under the new provisions will be classified as state jail felonies. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.06 (Penal Code 46)