Texas lawmakers introduced roughly 35 firearm-control measures on Monday, Nov. 9, setting up a clash over Second Amendment rights as the new Democratic majority moves to tighten gun restrictions across the state.
Among the proposals, Senate Bill 80 would make it a state jail felony for anyone under 21 to buy an assault weapon defined as a centerfire rifle with a pistol grip, folding stock, threaded barrel, or detachable magazine holding more than ten rounds. Representative Joe Moody's House Bill 173 would ban transfers of certain semiautomatic rifles to people under 21, while House Bill 606 outright prohibits anyone under that age from purchasing any firearm. Representative Suleman Lalani authored additional bills: HB 576 would bar registered sexual offenders from buying guns, and HB 613 would require background checks for all private firearm transfers through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Representative Ann Johnson's HB 218 creates extreme-risk protective orders, allowing a judge to temporarily remove firearms from a dangerous individual.
The National Rifle Association condemned the package, calling the measures an infringement on constitutional rights and urging supporters to mobilize against the proposals. Gun-rights groups warn the legislation will face legal challenges and could disrupt existing gun ownership practices.