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Bill

HB 259

Relating to the prohibition of short-barrel firearms.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Trent Ashby and 36 co-sponsors

Texas bill would criminally prohibit manufacturing, selling, and possessing short-barrel firearms, creating state-level restrictions on federally regulated weapons and raising constitutional concerns.

Left pending in committee
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · HB 259

Legislative bill overview

HB 259 proposes to prohibit the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of short-barrel firearms in Texas. The bill would create criminal penalties for violations and potentially affect existing owners of such weapons through grandfather clauses or buyback provisions (specific implementation details depend on bill language).

Why is this important

Short-barrel rifles and shotguns are heavily regulated at the federal level under the National Firearms Act, and this bill would add state-level restrictions. This represents a significant shift in Texas firearms policy, historically one of the most permissive states regarding gun rights, and could create conflicts between state and federal law or constitutional questions about Second Amendment protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional challenges: Opponents will likely argue the prohibition violates Second Amendment rights, particularly following recent Supreme Court decisions (New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen) that struck down certain firearms restrictions
  • Enforcement and existing ownership: Unclear how the state would handle current legal owners, whether through grandfather clauses, forced buybacks, or amnesty periods—each approach carries different political and practical implications
  • Federal-state legal conflict: Federal law already heavily regulates short-barrel firearms; state prohibition could create confusion about which restrictions apply and expose manufacturers/dealers to dual regulatory burdens

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

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