The bill amends Section 46.06 of the Penal Code to prohibit the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to individuals under 21 years of age, specifically those capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22. It establishes a criminal offense for selling, renting, leasing, or giving such firearms to this age group, with exceptions for peace officers and individuals honorably discharged from the armed forces. Additionally, temporary loans of these rifles are permitted under specific conditions, such as being in the presence of the transferor or using the firearm at a designated shooting range.

The bill also modifies the penalties associated with these offenses, classifying violations as Class A misdemeanors, with escalated penalties for specific circumstances, such as when the weapon involved is a handgun or when the offense pertains to the transfer of semiautomatic rifles. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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