The bill, introduced by Senator Huffman as S.B. No. 1900, amends Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code to create a new criminal offense regarding the unlawful possession of firearms by individuals not lawfully present in the United States. Specifically, it adds a new subsection (a-2) which states that a person commits an offense if they possess a firearm while not lawfully present in the country. Additionally, the bill modifies subsection (e) to classify offenses under both the existing subsection (a) and the new (a-2) as felonies of the third degree.

The bill aims to strengthen regulations surrounding firearm possession by individuals who are not legally in the country, thereby enhancing public safety. It also stipulates that the act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.04 (Penal Code 46)