Texas lawmakers have filed dozens of gun-related bills ahead of the 2027 legislative session, prompting criticism from the National Rifle Association over proposals that could change the state's firearm laws.
On Monday, Nov. 9, the first day of prefiling, lawmakers introduced approximately 35 firearm-related bills, according to the NRA. The organization criticized several proposals, arguing they could restrict Second Amendment rights.
"With control of the Texas House and the Governor’s office changing hands in January, gun grabbers are wasting no time in previewing what to expect when the session opens," the NRA wrote in a statement.
The organization urged members and gun rights supporters to get involved in the legislative process, warning that
lawmakers could introduce additional firearm-related proposals before convening in January.
The 90th Texas Legislature is scheduled to begin its regular session Jan. 12, 2027.
What gun-related bills have been filed in Texas?
According to the Texas Legislature's website, several proposals would establish new restrictions on firearm purchases, transfers and possession. Texans can review the proposed legislation, read the full text of each bill and track its progress through the Texas Legislature's official website.
Among the bills filed are:
- House Bill 173: Would prohibit the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to certain recipients, create a criminal offense and increase a criminal penalty.
- House Bill 576: Would prohibit registered sex offenders from purchasing firearms.
- House Bill 613: Would require background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for private firearm transfers and establish a criminal offense for violations.
- House Bill 218: Would establish extreme-risk protective orders, commonly known as red flag orders, which allow courts to temporarily restrict firearm access under certain circumstances.
- House Bill 659: Would require licensed firearms dealers to report certain sales or transfers involving multiple firearms or firearm magazines to law enforcement.
- Senate Bill 80: Would restrict certain transfers, purchases and possession of firearms classified as assault weapons under the proposed legislation.
Other proposals address firearm storage, access to guns by people younger than 21 and restrictions on carrying firearms in certain public places.
How do bills become law in Texas?
Filing a bill is only the first step in thelegislative process.
Once the Texas Legislature convenes, proposed bills are generally assigned to legislative committees, where lawmakers can review the legislation, hold hearings and recommend changes. Bills that advance from committee may then be considered by the full House or Senate.
To become law, legislation generally must pass both chambers in identical form before being sent to the governor.
The governor can sign a bill into law, allow it to become law without a signature or veto it. Lawmakers can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NRA pushes back against new Texas gun bills filed ahead of 2027 session
