The bill, H.B. No. 352, seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the transfer of firearms to certain individuals, specifically targeting those under the age of 21 and those who may use firearms unlawfully. Key changes include the insertion of language that makes it an offense to sell, rent, lease, or give a firearm to a person younger than 21 years of age, as well as to a child under 18. The bill also clarifies that an affirmative defense exists if the transfer to a minor is done with written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Additionally, the bill reclassifies certain offenses related to the unlawful transfer of firearms. Specifically, it establishes that selling a firearm to a person under 21 years of age is a state jail felony if the firearm in question is a handgun. The bill also maintains that offenses committed before the effective date of the law will be governed by the previous legal framework, ensuring that individuals are not retroactively penalized under the new provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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