Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB388

Caption

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB388 will have significant implications for state laws governing firearms. The bill establishes that knowingly transferring a firearm to an intoxicated person or a minor constitutes a criminal offense. The penalties for violations vary, with some actions classified as state jail felonies or Class A misdemeanors, thereby increasing the legal consequences for non-compliance. It's designed to prevent unlawful gun possession and misuse, providing law enforcement with clearer authority to combat illegal firearm trafficking and enhance community safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 388 addresses various criminal offenses related to the unlawful transfer or purchase of weapons, specifically firearms. It amends existing legislation in the Texas Penal Code, providing clarity on the conditions under which the transfer or sale of certain weapons is illegal. The changes aim to enhance public safety by tightening regulations surrounding who can transfer or acquire firearms, and under what circumstances. The bill particularly increases penalties for selling firearms to certain individuals, including minors and persons with active protective orders against them, thereby addressing concerns over illegal access to weapons.

Contention

There are potential points of contention associated with this bill. Critics may argue that tightening firearms regulations could infringe on individual rights or affect law-abiding citizens' abilities to transfer firearms responsibly. Proponents, however, contend that the changes are necessary to protect public safety and reduce crime associated with illegal gun access. The balance between responsible gun ownership and regulation will likely stir debate among lawmakers and stakeholders as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

TX HB1171

Same As Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1171

Same As Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2277

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB523

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB2275

Relating to the unlawful carrying, acquisition, purchase, and transfer of certain weapons; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB2435

Relating to the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB32

Relating to prohibiting certain transfers, purchases, and possession of assault weapons; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB761

Relating to prohibiting the transfer of an assault weapon to certain recipients; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1388

Relating to prohibiting the transfer of an assault weapon to certain recipients; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB2454

Relating to the unlawful acquisition of certain weapons; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB129

Relating to prohibiting the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles to certain recipients; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB3087

Relating to prohibiting certain transfers, purchases, and possession of firearms; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.