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Bill

HB 260

Relating to prohibiting sex offenders from purchasing firearms.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Suleman Lalani

Texas bill prohibits sex offenders from purchasing firearms, adding state-level restrictions to existing federal prohibitions on this offender category.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#corrections--jails&prisons(i0092) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #lawenforcement(i0510) #sexualoffenders(s0099) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · HB 260

Legislative bill overview

HB 260 would prohibit individuals convicted of sex offenses from purchasing or possessing firearms in Texas. The bill creates an additional restriction beyond existing federal prohibitions, applying state-level enforcement to this specific offender category. It was filed in November 2024 and read for the first time in February 2025.

Why is this important

This bill addresses public safety concerns by restricting firearm access to individuals convicted of sex crimes. The measure reflects legislative interest in layering state protections alongside federal law, potentially closing perceived gaps in existing regulations and affecting approximately 1,000+ registered sex offenders in Texas who currently possess firearms legally under state law.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional challenges: Second Amendment advocates may argue this creates an unconstitutional blanket prohibition on a class of citizens; courts have increasingly scrutinized categorical firearm bans
  • Scope definition: Questions about which sex offenses trigger the restriction (all convictions, violent crimes only, juveniles) and whether it applies retroactively to current firearm owners
  • Enforcement mechanism: Practical questions about how the state would enforce this—requiring surrender of existing firearms, background check modifications, or registration requirements—and associated costs and civil liberties implications
  • Federal-state coordination: Potential conflicts or redundancies with existing federal prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) may affect implementation

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

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