The unlawful acquisition of certain weapons; creating a criminal offense

Texas Senate Bill 1385, introduced on February 19, 2025, aims to enhance regulations concerning the unlawful acquisition of certain weapons. The bill proposes amendments to Section 46.06 of the Texas Penal Code, which addresses the unlawful transfer or acquisition of specific weapons. Key provisions include:

- **Amendment to Section 46.06**: The bill seeks to modify the heading and certain subsections of Section 46.06 to strengthen existing laws related to the unlawful transfer or acquisition of weapons.

- **Expansion of Prohibited Activities**: The bill introduces new offenses, such as acquiring a firearm with the intent to deliver it to someone prohibited from possessing it by state or federal law.

- **Classification of Offenses**: The bill specifies that certain offenses, like acquiring a firearm with the intent to deliver it to a prohibited person, would be classified as state jail felonies.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Joan Huffman (R) and co-authored by Senator Carol Alvarado (D). As of March 11, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB1385/2025?utm_source=openai))

The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB1385/2025?utm_source=openai))

As of now, there is no specific media coverage available regarding this bill.

While there is no direct media coverage of Texas Senate Bill 1385, the bipartisan sponsorship by Senator Joan Huffman (R) and Senator Carol Alvarado (D) suggests a collaborative approach to enhancing public safety. The bill's focus on strengthening regulations against the unlawful acquisition of weapons may be viewed positively by those advocating for stricter gun control measures. The inclusion of new offenses and the classification of certain violations as state jail felonies could be seen as a proactive step toward reducing illegal firearm transactions.

Conversely, the bill's provisions might face criticism from gun rights advocates who view such measures as potential infringements on Second Amendment rights. The classification of certain offenses as state jail felonies could be perceived as an overreach, leading to concerns about increased legal consequences for individuals involved in firearm transactions. Additionally, the bill's impact on lawful gun owners and the potential for unintended consequences may be points of contention.