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Bill

SB 2195

Relating to the reporting of certain orders and convictions to the Department of Public Safety and Federal Bureau of Investigation for use with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the transfer of firearms.

89th Legislature (2025)

Texas bill requiring courts to report disqualifying convictions and orders to FBI's firearm background check system to prevent prohibited persons from purchasing guns.

Referred to State Affairs
#criminalrecords(s0008) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #family--familyviolence(i0353) #protectiveorders(s0495) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · SB 2195

Legislative bill overview

SB 2195 requires Texas to report certain court orders and criminal convictions to the Department of Public Safety and the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for firearm transfer eligibility screening. The bill establishes a mechanism to ensure that individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law are properly flagged in the background check database used by licensed firearms dealers.

Why is this important

Accurate reporting to NICS directly affects who can legally purchase firearms. Gaps in reporting have historically allowed individuals with disqualifying convictions or protective orders to pass background checks and obtain weapons. This bill addresses those enforcement gaps by creating state-level reporting requirements, potentially reducing the number of prohibited persons who slip through the system during firearm transfers.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expanded reporting of court records to federal databases raises questions about data security, accuracy, and how long records are retained
  • Implementation costs and burden: Creating reporting infrastructure requires state resources and coordination between courts, law enforcement, and federal agencies
  • Scope ambiguity: The phrase "certain orders and convictions" lacks specifics—questions remain about which charges qualify and how misdemeanors versus felonies are handled
  • Due process timing: Concerns about whether individuals get timely notice and opportunity to challenge inaccurate records before reporting

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

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