H.B. No. 3138 amends the Local Government Code to clarify and expand the authority of municipalities and counties regarding the regulation of firearms, air guns, archery equipment, and related supplies. The bill introduces the term "archery equipment" into the legal framework, defining it to include various types of bows and arrows, and specifies that municipalities cannot adopt regulations that pertain to the transfer, possession, or discharge of these items, nor can they require liability insurance for their use. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions to ensure that regulations do not effectively restrict lawful commerce in these items.

The bill also updates the headings and sections of the Local Government Code to reflect the inclusion of archery equipment alongside firearms and air guns. It maintains that municipalities retain certain regulatory powers, such as zoning ordinances and public safety measures, but emphasizes that these cannot infringe upon the rights to possess and use firearms and archery equipment as defined. The changes are applicable to all relevant ordinances and regulations, regardless of when they were adopted, and the bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving the necessary legislative approval or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 229.001, Local Government Code 235.042, Local Government Code 236.001, Local Government Code 236.002, Local Government Code 342.003 (Local Government Code 235, Local Government Code 236, Local Government Code 229, Local Government Code 342)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 229.001, Local Government Code 235.042, Local Government Code 236.001, Local Government Code 236.002, Local Government Code 342.003 (Local Government Code 235, Local Government Code 236, Local Government Code 229, Local Government Code 342)