The bill, H.B. No. 352, seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the transfer of firearms to certain recipients, specifically targeting individuals 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 establishes that violations of these provisions will generally be classified as Class A misdemeanors, with specific offenses related to transferring firearms to individuals under 21 or making false statements while prohibited from firearm possession classified as state jail felonies. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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