The bill amends the definition of "firearm" in the Texas Penal Code to clarify what constitutes a firearm for certain criminal offenses. Specifically, it introduces new language that specifies that a firearm does not include a firearm that may have a folding knife blade or other characteristics of illegal weapons if it is either an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899 or a replica of such a firearm that does not use rim fire or center fire ammunition. Additionally, the bill adds a new definition for "less-lethal projectile device," which is described as a weapon designed to expel projectiles to temporarily incapacitate a target while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death.

The changes made by this bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. This ensures that individuals charged with offenses prior to the enactment of the new definitions will not be affected by the changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)