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Bill

HB 481

Relating to creating a criminal offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of a large-capacity magazine.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Meza

Texas bill criminalizes possession and transfer of large-capacity ammunition magazines, creating new gun regulation in Second Amendment-focused state.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · HB 481

Legislative bill overview

HB 481 proposes to create a new criminal offense in Texas for the unlawful possession or transfer of large-capacity magazines (ammunition feeding devices that exceed a specified capacity). The bill would establish penalties for individuals who possess or distribute these magazines in violation of the new statute. This represents a significant shift in Texas firearms policy, as the state currently has no restrictions on magazine capacity.

Why is this important

Large-capacity magazines are a recurring focal point in national gun policy debates, with proponents arguing they enable mass casualty events by reducing reload time, while opponents view restrictions as infringements on Second Amendment rights. The bill's passage would make Texas one of relatively few states with magazine capacity restrictions, potentially affecting millions of firearm owners and creating enforcement challenges for law enforcement. It could also trigger legal challenges based on constitutional grounds.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocacy groups will likely challenge the bill as unconstitutional, citing recent Supreme Court decisions emphasizing individual rights to common firearms and accessories
  • Definition and scope: The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "large-capacity" is defined and whether exemptions exist for law enforcement, military, or grandfathered existing magazines
  • Enforcement practicality: Determining possession violations without a registration system could prove extremely difficult, potentially creating ambiguous enforcement and selective application issues

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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