Texas House Bill HB349

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of certain parts designed to increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic rifle.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing laws under the Texas Penal Code to increase penalties for the possession of illegal firearm parts. This amendment includes defining specific parts that could lead to higher rates of fire in semiautomatic rifles, reflecting ongoing concerns about gun violence and firearm regulation in Texas. The bill's provisions suggest a shift towards stricter enforcement of firearm regulations, particularly regarding the aftermarket components of firearms that could contribute to their lethality.

Summary

House Bill 349 addresses the prosecution related to the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of parts designed to increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic rifles. The bill aims to specifically criminalize the parts that enhance the firing capabilities of semiautomatic weapons without converting them into machine guns. The bill outlines various components that fall under this regulation and establishes legal penalties for violations categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the nature of the offense.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 349 may revolve around the effectiveness and implications of implementing such regulations. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary for public safety and to curb gun violence, reflecting a commitment to responsible firearm ownership. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential overreach of state laws into personal rights regarding firearms, suggesting that these regulations could disproportionately affect lawful gun owners and questioning the practicality of enforcing such measures.