H.B. No. 320 aims to enhance regulations surrounding the transfer of semiautomatic rifles in Texas. The bill amends Sections 46.06(a), (c), and (d) of the Penal Code to prohibit the sale, rental, lease, or transfer of semiautomatic rifles to individuals under 21 years of age. Additionally, it clarifies that the existing prohibitions on transferring handguns to minors now exclude semiautomatic rifles, which are specifically addressed in the new language. The bill also maintains that selling a handgun to a minor remains a Class A misdemeanor, while the transfer of a semiautomatic rifle to a person under 21 is classified as a state jail felony.

The legislation includes an affirmative defense for transferring firearms to minors if the parent or legal guardian provides written permission. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of October 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the previous laws. Overall, the bill seeks to tighten restrictions on firearm transfers to enhance public safety.

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