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. The legislation outlines the applicability of this requirement, detailing that it applies to individuals convicted of family violence offenses, those under protective orders, or those subject to magistrate's emergency protection orders. Upon conviction or issuance of such orders, the court is required to notify the individual of their prohibition from firearm possession and order the surrender of all firearms within seven days.

Additionally, the bill specifies the procedures for surrendering firearms, including options for transferring firearms to a designee, selling them to licensed dealers, or surrendering them to law enforcement agencies. It also establishes requirements for documentation and the handling of surrendered firearms, including the potential for sale by law enforcement if the individual does not respond to notices regarding their firearm status. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses or orders issued on or after January 1, 2026. The Office of Court Administration is tasked with adopting model affidavits related to the new provisions by December 1, 2025.