Texas House Bill HB883

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the unlawful transfer of a firearm; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB 883 would significantly reshape how firearm transactions are handled in Texas, placing greater responsibility on dealers to verify the legality of a sale. Particularly, the adaptation of enforcement mechanisms against individuals possessing firearms unlawfully presents potential implications for state law surrounding personal freedoms and public safety. The bill seeks to reduce illegal firearm access while imposing heightened scrutiny on the sale and transfer processes, especially concerning background checks and the status of buyers.

Summary

House Bill 883 aims to regulate the unlawful transfer of firearms by amending existing laws within the Texas Penal Code. The bill specifically outlines the offenses associated with transferring a firearm to individuals who are in violation of specific legal constraints, such as those under protective orders or those who are fugitives from justice. The amendments include defining what constitutes a fugitive and mandating licensed firearms dealers to report certain transactions to the Department of Public Safety, enhancing monitoring and accountability for firearm transfers.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB 883 is a necessary step towards enhancing public safety and controlling illegal firearm transfers, critics could view it as an infringement upon Second Amendment rights. Contention may arise in discussions about how such regulatory measures could affect lawful gun owners and dealers. Additionally, the requirement for dealers to report potentially unlawful transactions to authorities could be perceived as burdensome, creating a divided stance on the bill's effectiveness and intentions regarding firearm ownership in the state.