The bill, H.B. No. 313, seeks to amend Section 46.06 of the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to individuals under the age of 21. Specifically, it establishes that a person commits an offense if they intentionally sell, rent, lease, or give a semiautomatic rifle capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22 to someone younger than 21. The bill also introduces a new subsection (c-1) that outlines exceptions to this prohibition, allowing transfers to peace officers, honorably discharged military personnel, or temporary loans under specific conditions, such as being in the presence of the transferor or at a shooting range.

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties associated with these offenses, classifying violations related to the transfer of semiautomatic rifles or handguns to minors 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 occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law.

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