Texas Senate Bill SB1018

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring a person convicted of an offense involving family violence or a person who is the subject of a protective order to surrender firearms owned by the person.

Impact

The implementation of SB1018 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding firearm possession, particularly for individuals with a documented history of family violence. The law introduces a structured protocol for the surrender of firearms, emphasizing the legal obligations for both the convicted individuals and the judiciary. By adding a new chapter to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the bill seeks to enhance mechanisms for public safety and accountability while ensuring that appropriate safeguarding measures are put in place.

Summary

SB1018 is a legislative bill aimed at addressing issues of public safety related to firearms in the context of family violence. The bill mandates that individuals convicted of offenses involving family violence or those who are subject to protective orders must surrender their firearms. This move is intended to reduce risks associated with firearm possession among individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or their families due to a history of violent behavior. The legislation outlines specific procedures for the surrender of firearms to ensure compliance and facilitate enforcement.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1018 have highlighted various points of contention. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward improving public safety and mitigating risks associated with gun ownership among individuals with violent tendencies. They believe that enforcing firearm surrender in such cases will protect victims of domestic violence and reduce the incidence of gun-related incidents in families. Conversely, critics of the bill express concerns about potential infringements on individual rights, particularly regarding the due process rights of individuals subject to protective orders. They argue that the bill may disproportionately affect those who are not genuinely dangerous and may thus lead to unnecessary confiscation of firearms.