The bill, H.B. No. 384, aims to prohibit the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to specific recipients, particularly individuals under the age of 21. It amends the Penal Code to establish that a person commits an offense if they intentionally or knowingly 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 years of age. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding the sale of firearms to minors, specifying that the transfer of firearms other than semiautomatic rifles to minors is permissible only with written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

The bill also increases the penalties for certain offenses related to firearm transfers. Specifically, it classifies the offense of transferring a semiautomatic rifle to a person under 21 as a state jail felony, while other related offenses remain classified as Class A misdemeanors or state jail felonies depending on the circumstances. The changes in law 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)