H.B. No. 1692 amends Section 46.06 of the Texas Penal Code, which addresses the unlawful transfer of firearms. The bill introduces new provisions that make it an offense to knowingly sell, rent, lease, loan, or give a firearm to individuals who fall into specific categories, including those receiving inpatient mental health services, individuals acquitted of crimes due to insanity, those with intellectual disabilities, incapacitated adults under guardianship, and individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial. Additionally, the bill adds a defense to prosecution for this offense if the transfer is made to a person who has been judicially determined to no longer be incapacitated or has received notice of relief from disabilities.

The bill also modifies existing language by removing the provision that prohibits selling a firearm to someone under an active protective order and adds a new clause that addresses false statements made on firearm transfer forms by individuals prohibited from possessing firearms. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time.

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