The bill, H.B. No. 1556, seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to individuals under the age of 21, specifically those capable of accepting a detachable magazine and having a caliber greater than .22. The bill introduces new legal language that establishes a criminal offense for selling, renting, leasing, or giving such firearms to these individuals. It also amends existing provisions regarding the sale of handguns and introduces an affirmative defense for transfers to minors with parental consent. Additionally, it creates exceptions for transfers to peace officers or individuals honorably discharged from the armed forces, as well as for temporary loans under specific conditions.

The bill increases the penalties for violations, categorizing offenses related to the unlawful transfer of semiautomatic rifles as state jail felonies. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the bill, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.06 (Penal Code 46)