On November 9, 2026, the first day lawmakers could file bills for the 2027 legislative session, roughly three dozen firearm-related bills were filed in Austin. You’ve probably seen posts about them online. Some of those posts get the details wrong, so we read the bills themselves. Here’s a plain-English look at what the main ones would actually do, as filed, and what happens next.
The short version: nothing has changed yet. These are proposals, not laws. Buying a firearm, transfers and layaway at County Armory all work exactly the same today. Most of these bills, if they passed, would not take effect until September 1, 2027.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. It describes the bills as filed on November 9, 2026. Bills often change, or die, during the session. Follow the links to read the official text.
How a Texas Bill Becomes Law
The Texas Legislature convenes on January 12, 2027 for a 140-day regular session. To become law, a bill has to be heard in committee and pass both the Texas House and the Texas Senate, then be signed by the governor (or become law without a signature). Thousands of bills are filed every session, and most of them never become law.
The Bills, in Plain English
SB 80: “Assault weapons” for buyers under 21
Despite how it’s been described online, SB 80 as filed is not a ban for adults 21 and over. It would make it a Class A misdemeanor for a person under 21 to buy or possess an “assault weapon,” and a state jail felony to sell or give one to someone under 21. Peace officers and military members are exempt, and anyone who lawfully possessed one on August 31, 2027 would have a defense.
What makes SB 80 worth watching is how broadly it defines “assault weapon.” The definition includes semiautomatic centerfire rifles that take a detachable magazine and have just one listed feature, such as a pistol grip, a folding or telescoping stock, or a flash suppressor. It also covers semiautomatic shotguns that take a detachable magazine, and semiautomatic pistols that take a detachable magazine and have features like a threaded barrel. Read SB 80
HB 173 and similar bills: Semiautomatic rifles and buyers under 21
HB 173 would make it a state jail felony to sell, rent, lease or give a semiautomatic rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and is larger than .22 caliber to anyone under 21. It exempts peace officers and people who are serving in, or were honorably discharged from, the U.S. armed forces. Supervised use, such as at a shooting range, during lawful hunting or at a competition, would still be allowed. Read HB 173
HB 771, HB 806 and HB 857 were filed on the same topic by other lawmakers, and their details may differ. HB 606 and HB 610 go further and would restrict transfers of firearms in general to people under 21.
HB 613: Background checks on private sales
HB 613 would require a private seller to either sell through a licensed dealer, or have a licensed dealer run a federal background check on the buyer before handing over the firearm. Dealers could charge a reasonable fee for the check. As filed, the bill has no exception for transfers between family members. A violation would be a Class A misdemeanor. Read HB 613
HB 659: Dealers reporting multiple sales
This one would directly affect stores like ours. HB 659 would require licensed dealers to report to the Texas Department of Public Safety whenever the same buyer gets two or more firearms, or four or more detachable magazines, within five business days. Magazines that come packaged with a firearm wouldn’t count. DPS would forward the reports to local sheriffs. The bill says the reports are confidential and can’t be used to build a registry of gun owners. A dealer who fails to report would commit a Class B misdemeanor. Read HB 659
HB 218: Red flag orders
HB 218 would create “extreme risk protective orders.” A family or household member, or a peace officer, could ask a court for an order against someone they believe poses an immediate danger. A judge could issue a temporary order without notifying the person first, with a hearing required within 14 days. A final order would require clear and convincing evidence and would last up to one year, with the person required to turn over their firearms within 24 hours. HB 218 would also repeal Chapter 7C of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the “Anti-Red Flag Act” Texas passed in 2025. Read HB 218
HB 712: Carrying in public libraries
HB 712 is narrower than some posts suggest. It would let cities and counties regulate or prohibit carrying firearms inside libraries they run, with exceptions for certain licensed and authorized carriers. It doesn’t otherwise change the state law that keeps local governments from passing their own gun rules. Read HB 712
Other bills filed
- HB 609 and HB 658 would raise the penalty for leaving a firearm where a child can get to it. HB 609 would raise it from a Class C to a Class A misdemeanor.
- HB 859 would raise the penalty for discharging a firearm in certain cities.
What This Means for You Today
Right now, nothing changes. You can buy, transfer and put firearms on layaway at County Armory under the same Texas and federal laws as last week. We’ll keep an eye on these bills through the session and post updates here if any of them start moving.
How to Follow the Bills and Make Your Voice Heard
- Track a bill: Search any bill number on Texas Legislature Online to read its text and see where it stands. You can sign up for email alerts there too.
- Find your lawmakers: Use Who Represents Me to look up your state representative and state senator, then call or email their offices.
- Speak at a hearing: When a bill is scheduled for a committee hearing, members of the public can testify or register a position for or against it.
Questions about what you can buy today, transfers or layaway? Stop by County Armory at 2510 Hemphill St. in Greenville or call us at (903) 259-6600.
