The bill, H.B. No. 4675, amends Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code to address the unlawful possession of firearms by individuals not lawfully present in the United States. It introduces 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 the new subsection (a-2) as a felony of the third degree, aligning it with existing provisions for unlawful possession under subsection (a).

The bill aims to strengthen regulations surrounding firearm possession by individuals who are not legally in the U.S., thereby enhancing public safety. It is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds 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)