House Bill No. 432 aims to regulate private firearm transfers in Texas by mandating that a national instant criminal background check be conducted before any such transfer can occur. The bill introduces Chapter 205 to the Business & Commerce Code, which outlines the definitions of key terms such as "firearm" and "licensed firearms dealer." It specifies that individuals may only sell or transfer firearms if they are licensed dealers or if they meet certain conditions, including the requirement to request a background check from a licensed dealer before completing the transfer.
Additionally, the bill establishes that any person who violates these provisions commits a Class A misdemeanor. Licensed firearms dealers are also given specific duties, including conducting the required background checks and notifying the seller of the results. The bill allows dealers to charge a reasonable fee for conducting these checks. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()