The bill, H.B. No. 3065, introduces a new chapter to the Local Government Code that establishes regulations for firearm buyback programs administered by local law enforcement agencies in Texas. It defines a "firearm buyback program" as one where a local agency offers payment in exchange for surrendered firearms. The bill mandates that all firearms received through these programs must be destroyed, specifying that destruction involves either completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm or cutting it into at least three critical locations.

However, the bill allows for an exception where a local law enforcement agency may sell a surrendered firearm if it conducts a national instant criminal background check through a licensed firearms dealer and verifies that the buyer is legally permitted to possess a firearm. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if the chief administrator of a local law enforcement agency intentionally fails to destroy a surrendered firearm as required, disciplinary procedures will be initiated by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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