The bill, H.B. No. 498, introduces a new chapter to the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically Chapter 68, which mandates the surrender of firearms by individuals convicted of family violence offenses or those subject to family violence protective orders. Under this legislation, courts are required to notify these individuals that they are prohibited from possessing firearms and must order them to surrender any firearms they own within seven days of receiving notice. The bill outlines various methods for surrendering firearms, including transferring them to a designated person who can lawfully possess firearms, selling them to a licensed dealer, or surrendering them to law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the bill establishes procedures for law enforcement agencies regarding the holding and disposition of surrendered firearms. It requires agencies to provide receipts for surrendered firearms and outlines the process for returning firearms to individuals who are later found to be eligible to possess them. The law will apply to convictions and protective orders issued on or after January 1, 2026, and the Office of Court Administration is tasked with creating model affidavits to facilitate compliance with the new requirements. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.