S.B. No. 1596 amends the Texas Penal Code to prohibit the possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of short-barrel firearms, along with other specified weapons, unless they are registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record or classified as curios or relics by the U.S. Department of Justice. The bill specifically removes the mention of short-barrel firearms from the list of prohibited items in Section 46.05(a) and repeals Section 46.01(10), which defined short-barrel firearms. Additionally, it modifies the affirmative defense provisions to exclude short-barrel firearms from the incidental dealings that could be defended against prosecution.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. This legislative change reflects a significant shift in the regulation of short-barrel firearms in Texas, aiming to tighten restrictions on their possession and use.

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)