The bill, H.B. No. 306, introduces new regulations regarding the purchase and possession of firearms, specifically targeting individuals under the age of 21. It adds Section 46.055 to the Penal Code, which makes it a Class A misdemeanor for anyone younger than 21 to knowingly purchase or possess a firearm. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws in Section 46.06 to prohibit the sale or transfer of firearms to individuals under 21, while also maintaining restrictions on selling firearms to intoxicated individuals or those with felony convictions.

The amendments also clarify the legal language surrounding the sale of firearms to minors, specifying that it is an affirmative defense if the transfer was made with written permission from a parent or legal guardian. The bill establishes that offenses committed under the new provisions will be classified as either Class A misdemeanors or state jail felonies, depending on the circumstances, and it stipulates that the changes will only apply to offenses committed after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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