House Bill No. 481 proposes the addition of Section 46.056 to the Texas Penal Code, establishing a criminal offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of large-capacity magazines. A "large-capacity magazine" is defined as a detachable ammunition feeding device capable of accepting more than 10 rounds, with specific exceptions outlined, such as .22 caliber tube devices and permanently disabled magazines. Under this new section, individuals would commit an offense if they knowingly possess or transfer such magazines, with violations classified as Class A misdemeanors.

The bill also includes defenses against prosecution, allowing individuals to claim lawful possession if they had the magazine before August 31, 2025, or if they were acting in the course of their official duties as peace officers or military personnel. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()