H.B. No. 865 introduces new legal provisions regarding civil liability associated with firearm hold agreements in Texas. The bill amends the heading of Subchapter B of Chapter 128 in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to include "AGAINST SPORT SHOOTING RANGES" and adds a new Subchapter C titled "LIABILITY ARISING FROM FIREARM HOLD AGREEMENTS." This new subchapter defines key terms such as "firearm hold agreement," which refers to a transaction where a federal firearms licensee or a congressionally chartered veterans service organization temporarily holds a firearm for an individual owner.

The bill also establishes immunity from civil liability for federal firearms licensees and veterans service organizations concerning acts or omissions related to firearm hold agreements that result in personal injury or death. However, this immunity is contingent upon compliance with firearms storage requirements and does not apply in cases of unlawful conduct or gross negligence. The provisions of this new subchapter will not affect causes of action that arose before the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

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