- The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action praised pro-gun victories in the Texas Legislature
- The “Anti-Red Flag Act” seeks to protect the due process rights of law-abiding citizens from unlawful orders
- SB 1596 legalizes short-barrel firearms at the state level
The 89th Session of the Texas Legislature, which concludes on Monday, saw several major victories for Second Amendment rights advocates. The bills, which are expected to be signed into law by Governor Abbott, further cement Texas as one of the leading states in the nation in protecting the rights of gun owners.
The passage of the pro-gun legislation was praised by the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, which stated, “These victories mark a significant step forward for Texas gun owners and Second Amendment advocates.”
Senate Bill 1596, by State Senator Brent Hagenbuch and sponsored by State Representative Richard Hayes, legalizes short-barrel firearms at the state level.
“Short-barreled rifles and shotguns are ‘medium-sized guns,’ larger than pistols but smaller than full-sized rifles and shotguns. Why does the law treat them the same as machine guns? How can medium-sized guns be so much more dangerous than small and large guns?” said Sean Healy, Treasurer of the Texas State Rifle Association.
Senate Bill 1362 by State Senator Bryan Hughes and sponsored by State Representative Cole Hefner also received final passage in the Texas House this week. Known as the “Anti-Red Flag Act,” the bill bans the adoption of an extreme risk protective order that prohibits a law-abiding citizen from owning or possessing a firearm unless the order is specifically authorized under state law.
Upon passage of the bill in the Texas House, Hefner wrote, “The Texas House has passed S.B. 1362 — the Anti-Red Flag Act. This critical legislation ensures that unconstitutional red flag laws have no place in Texas. It protects due process, defends Second Amendment rights, and prohibits government entities from enforcing extreme risk protective orders unless explicitly authorized by state law. Texas stands strong for law-abiding gun owners. We won’t allow federal overreach to trample on the rights of our citizens.”
Other pro-Second Amendment bills that passed during the 89th legislative session include:
- House Bill 1403 by State Representative Cody Harris and sponsored by State Senator Mayes Middleton, prohibits foster care agencies and the Department of Family and Protective Services from requiring foster families to disclose the specific types of firearms in their home
- House Bill 3053, by State Representative Wes Virdell and sponsored by State Senator Bob Hall, bans cities and counties from sponsoring or participating in gun buyback programs
- Senate Bill 706 by State Senator Charles Schwertner and sponsored by State Representative Carrie Isaac, will require the State of Texas to recognize a valid license to carry a handgun issued by any other state
- Senate Bill 1718 by State Senator Kevin Sparks and sponsored by State Representative Ryan Guillen, provides that annual events of the National Rifle Association are eligible to receive funding from the Texas Major Events Reimbursement Program
