Texas House Bill HCR5

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Urging Congress to pass a federal law requiring universal background checks for all firearm sales.

Impact

The resolution asserts that implementing universal background checks would enhance public safety by reducing the likelihood of gun violence, including murders and suicides. Citing the success of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, it notes that millions of individuals legally barred from owning firearms have been prevented from obtaining guns through enforced background checks. Moreover, the resolution claims that such checks impose minimal burdens on law-abiding citizens who wish to purchase firearms, thereby fostering a safer environment for the general population.

Summary

HCR5 is a concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas Legislature urging Congress to enact federal legislation that mandates universal background checks for all firearm sales. This proposal aims to address the significant loophole in current federal law that permits unlicensed sellers to sell firearms without conducting background checks, thus potentially allowing individuals who are prohibited from gun ownership to easily acquire firearms. The resolution highlights that the existing system requires licensed dealers to perform background checks but does not apply to private or unlicensed sales, creating risks for public safety.

Contention

Although HCR5 attempts to unite various stakeholders across political lines—pointing out that over 90% of Americans support background checks, including a significant number of Republicans, Democrats, and law enforcement—the resolution may still face contention. Concerns may arise from arguments against the federal government imposing regulations on individual gun ownership rights, as some factions argue that such measures could infringe upon Second Amendment rights. Furthermore, the implementation of universal background checks could provoke debates surrounding privacy and the government's role in regulating personal freedoms.