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HB 3436

Relating to the definition of a child for purposes of the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Trey Martinez Fischer

HB 3436 redefines "child" in Texas firearm accessibility laws, potentially altering criminal liability for adults who leave guns accessible to minors.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#minors--health&safety(i0533) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · HB 3436

Legislative bill overview

HB 3436 modifies Texas law regarding child access to firearms by changing the legal definition of "child" used in statutes that criminalize making firearms accessible to minors. The bill specifically alters which age threshold applies when determining liability for unsafe firearm storage. This represents a technical but potentially significant change to existing child firearm safety provisions in Texas penal code.

Why is this important

Child firearm access and unintentional shootings remain a public health concern, with legal liability frameworks directly affecting how gun owners store weapons. Changing the age definition used in these statutes could either expand or narrow criminal responsibility for adults who leave firearms accessible to minors, impacting enforcement of existing safety laws and potentially affecting injury prevention outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Age threshold change: The bill's specific redefinition may lower or raise the age at which someone can be criminally liable, affecting whether parents/guardians face charges in borderline cases
  • Intent vs. outcomes: Unclear whether the change addresses intentional endangerment only or includes negligent/accidental access scenarios differently
  • Implementation ambiguity: Without seeing the exact definitional language, it's unclear how prosecutors will apply the new standard or whether existing cases would be affected retroactively

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

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