S.B. No. 1596 amends the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of short-barrel firearms. The bill specifically removes the classification of short-barrel firearms from the list of items that are illegal to possess unless registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The language that previously included short-barrel firearms has been deleted, and the bill now only mentions explosive weapons and machine guns as items subject to regulation. Additionally, the affirmative defense for dealing with short-barrel firearms as antiques or curios has also been removed.

The bill repeals Section 46.01(10) of the Penal Code, which previously defined short-barrel firearms. The changes made by this Act will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning that any offenses occurring before this date will still be governed by the previous law. This legislative change reflects a significant shift in the regulation of firearms in Texas, particularly concerning short-barrel firearms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.05, Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 46.05, Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)
Engrossed: Penal Code 46.05, Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 46.05, Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)
Enrolled: Penal Code 46.05, Penal Code 46.01 (Penal Code 46)