Pro-Second Amendment legislation has been on the move this week in the Texas Senate!
On Wednesday, the Texas Senate approved TSRA-backed Senate Bill 706 by Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) on a 26-5 vote. SB 706 requires Texas to universally recognize all valid out-of-state carry licenses. Texas should join the 20 other states with universal recognition laws, modernize our reciprocity law to be consistent with the constitutional carry statute that applies to nonresidents, and lend support to efforts to pass National Right to Carry Reciprocity. The bill now moves to the Texas House for consideration.
On Thursday, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously reported out Senate Bill 1596 by Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R-Denton). SB 1596 repeals criminalization of the manufacture, possession, and sale of short-barreled firearms at the state level. (Note that these items would still be regulated under the National Firearms Act on the federal level.) Maneuverability while hunting and increased ability to manipulate the guns in tight spaces for self-defense are just two reasons people are interested in owning SBRs or SBSs despite the paperwork and cost involved for legal ownership.
Short-barreled firearms are currently prohibited under Section 46.05 of the Texas Penal Code, defined generally as rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches and shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches. An exception to this ban exists for NFA-compliant SBRs and SBSs, a process which includes registration with ATF and a $200 tax stamp.
As a result of the ATF rule treating pistols with stabilizing braces as SBRs, millions of Americans finding themselves in possession of newly-unlawful firearms, and multiple lawsuits in federal courts to resolve this conflict, there has been sentiment among freedom-loving Texas lawmakers to push for legislation that removes this state prohibition on short-barreled firearms. Also, if SBRs and SBSs are ever removed legislatively or administratively from NFA, or NFA is repealed, Texas will have already taken care of business in this policy area if SB 1596 passes!
Senate Bill 1596 now joins Senate Bill 1362 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) awaiting consideration by the full Senate. TSRA also supports SB 1362, which prohibits the recognition, service, and enforcement of red flag firearms confiscation orders unless expressly authorized by Texas law.
On Thursday, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously reported out Senate Bill 1596 by Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R-Denton). SB 1596 repeals criminalization of the manufacture, possession, and sale of short-barreled firearms at the state level. (Note that these items would still be regulated under the National Firearms Act on the federal level.) Maneuverability while hunting and increased ability to manipulate the guns in tight spaces for self-defense are just two reasons people are interested in owning SBRs or SBSs despite the paperwork and cost involved for legal ownership.
Short-barreled firearms are currently prohibited under Section 46.05 of the Texas Penal Code, defined generally as rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches and shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches. An exception to this ban exists for NFA-compliant SBRs and SBSs, a process which includes registration with ATF and a $200 tax stamp.
As a result of the ATF rule treating pistols with stabilizing braces as SBRs, millions of Americans finding themselves in possession of newly-unlawful firearms, and multiple lawsuits in federal courts to resolve this conflict, there has been sentiment among freedom-loving Texas lawmakers to push for legislation that removes this state prohibition on short-barreled firearms. Also, if SBRs and SBSs are ever removed legislatively or administratively from NFA, or NFA is repealed, Texas will have already taken care of business in this policy area if SB 1596 passes!
Senate Bill 1596 now joins Senate Bill 1362 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) awaiting consideration by the full Senate. TSRA also supports SB 1362, which prohibits the recognition, service, and enforcement of red flag firearms confiscation orders unless expressly authorized by Texas law.
TSRA Members: Please contact your State Senators and urge them to SUPPORT SB 1362 and SB 1596!
This article has been prepared by the Texas State Rifle Association's Political Action Team. This Team works around the clock, year-round, to ensure the rights of law-abiding Texans are upheld. They are currently working on the 89th Legislative Session, where over 250 firearm-related bills have been filed. To support these efforts, please consider a contribution to the TSRA PAC today.
This article has been prepared by the Texas State Rifle Association's Political Action Team. This Team works around the clock, year-round, to ensure the rights of law-abiding Texans are upheld. They are currently working on the 89th Legislative Session, where over 250 firearm-related bills have been filed. To support these efforts, please consider a contribution to the TSRA PAC today.
Story by TSRA Legislative Team
March 21, 2025
March 21, 2025