88R3696 AJZ-D
By: Goodwin H.B. No. 856
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a required notice for certain firearm transfers;
creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Title 6, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by
adding Chapter 205 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 205. REGULATION OF FIREARM TRANSFERS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 205.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "firearm" has
the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code.
SUBCHAPTER B. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN FIREARM TRANSFERS
Sec. 205.051. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN FIREARM
TRANSFERS; OFFENSE. (a) A person who engages in the retail
business of selling or renting firearms to consumers may not sell,
rent, lease, loan, or give a firearm to another person unless the
person posts the sign described by Subsection (b).
(b) A person described by Subsection (a) shall post, in the
manner described by Subsection (c) at the site or location at which
the firearms are displayed and delivered, a sign that:
(1) includes language that is identical to the
following: "ACCESS TO A FIREARM IN THE HOME SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES
THE RISK OF SUICIDE, HOMICIDE, DEATH DURING DOMESTIC DISPUTES, AND
UNINTENTIONAL DEATHS OF CHILDREN, HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS, AND OTHERS.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS EXPERIENCING DISTRESS AND/OR DEPRESSION
CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE LIFELINE AT 988.";
(2) includes the language described by Subdivision (1)
in both English and Spanish;
(3) appears in contrasting colors with block letters
in at least 24-point font;
(4) is 8.5 by 11 inches or larger; and
(5) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly
visible to the public.
(c) A sign described by Subsection (b) must be posted at
each entrance to the site or location and near the point of sale.
(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense.
An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.