H.B. No. 2161 amends the Government Code and Health and Safety Code in Texas to enhance federal firearm reporting for individuals recently released from emergency detention. The bill introduces new definitions and requirements, including the identification of individuals who are prohibited from engaging in certain firearm activities due to their recent emergency detention. Specifically, it adds provisions for reporting individuals released from emergency detention under Chapter 573, Health and Safety Code, to the Department of Public Safety, which will then relay this information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for use in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals released from emergency detention be informed of their prohibition from purchasing firearms for 30 days following their release. It establishes procedures for the Department of Public Safety to maintain confidentiality of the information while ensuring access for the individuals affected. The changes in law will only apply to emergency detentions that begin on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.052, Health and Safety Code 573.025 (Health and Safety Code 573, Government Code 411)