H.B. No. 320 aims to enhance regulations surrounding the transfer of semiautomatic rifles and increase penalties for violations. The bill amends Sections 46.06(a), (c), and (d) of the Penal Code, specifically prohibiting the sale, rental, lease, or transfer of semiautomatic rifles to individuals under 21 years of age. Additionally, it clarifies that the transfer of firearms to minors is only permissible with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The bill also maintains existing prohibitions on transferring firearms to individuals who are intoxicated, have felony convictions, or are subject to protective orders.

The penalties for violations of these provisions are also adjusted, with offenses related to the transfer of handguns to minors classified as state jail felonies, while violations concerning semiautomatic rifles or false statements on firearm transfer forms are similarly elevated to state jail felonies. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed after that date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 46.06 (Penal Code 46)