Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation.
If enacted, HB 915 would have significant implications on the state's firearms industry and the regulation of gun ownership in Texas. It would enhance the autonomy of Texan manufacturers by allowing them to produce and sell firearms and ammunition without adhering to federal registration or regulatory requirements, provided these items are made from locally sourced materials and stay within the state. This could potentially lead to a boom in local firearms businesses and a redefined turf concerning state rights over federal oversight in this domain.
House Bill 915 is designed to exempt the intrastate manufacture of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from federal regulation. The bill asserts that under the Tenth and Ninth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, states have the authority to regulate such commerce unless there is express federal preemption. It makes a clear distinction that firearms produced within Texas, using primarily local materials, and remaining within the state, are not subject to federal laws or regulations governing interstate commerce. This shift fundamentally redefines the relationship between state and federal jurisdictions concerning gun manufacturing.
Notably, the bill has raised concerns regarding public safety and regulatory oversight. Critics argue that exempting these products from federal regulation could foster an environment where firearms and ammunition are manufactured without the quality controls typically enforced at the federal level. Additionally, the bill's language asserts strong interpretations of constitutional rights, which may draw criticism from those who advocate for stricter gun controls and advocate national standards for firearms manufacturing.
House Bill 915 amends the Business and Commerce Code to establish a framework for the intrastate manufacture of firearms while explicitly stating exceptions for certain types of weapons, such as large bore firearms and automatic firing weapons. The bill mandates that all firearms manufactured in Texas have a 'Made in Texas' mark, fostering a sense of pride and identity in the local production of firearms.