Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have laid out their legislative priorities for 2025, focusing on issues like property tax relief, school choice, and water infrastructure. But glaringly absent from their agendas is a strong commitment to protecting and expanding Second Amendment rights—a move that’s left many gun rights advocates questioning the state’s commitment to the foundational freedoms of Texans.
Abbott and Patrick’s 2025 Agenda
Governor Abbott’s State of the State address emphasized economic growth, border security, and public safety. His seven emergency items included property tax relief, school vouchers, border security enhancements, water infrastructure investments, bail reform, fentanyl crisis interventions, and safeguarding children from harmful content.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick rolled out the first 25 of his top 40 priority bills, highlighting efforts to boost the electric grid, ban THC, increase homestead exemptions, and push for school prayer and parental rights. Notably, Patrick’s list includes measures like placing the Ten Commandments in schools and establishing a Texas Bitcoin Reserve, but none explicitly prioritize gun rights.
Where Are the Gun Rights Protections?
Despite Republicans holding the reins in both legislative chambers, pro-Second Amendment measures are conspicuously missing from the top agendas of Abbott and Patrick. This omission is particularly striking given the growing federal pressure on gun ownership rights and recent pushes from the Biden administration for increased gun control.
Texas Gun Rights (TXGR), the state’s leading pro-Second Amendment organization, has been vocal about the need for bold legislative action to safeguard Texans’ rights, and championing several key bills that deserve top-priority status in 2025:
BAN “RED FLAG” GUN CONFISCATION
HB 162 by Rep. Briscoe Cain would ban unconstitutional Red Flag gun confiscation in Texas and prevent state agencies, counties, and cities from accepting federal gun control funds—including money authorized by John Cornyn & Joe Biden’s “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” (2022)—to enact backdoor gun confiscation.
END DEADLY “GUN-FREE” ZONES
“Gun-free” zones do nothing but disarm law-abiding Texans while criminals ignore the rules. These bills would restore Texans’ right to self-defense in more places:
- SB 83, Hall (LTC for public schools)
- HB 925, Cain (Defense to prosecution in GFZ’s)
- HB 1128, Isaac (Carry for election judges)
- HB 1715, Cain (Prohibiting GFZ’s on public property)
- HB 1794, Tepper (Carry at polling places for LTC)
- HB 1908, Schatzline (Restaurant Carry)
- HB 2031, Richardson (Expanding tenant rights)
Civil Liability Protection for Gun Owners
- HB 170, Guillen (Adding civil protections for gun owners forced to use their firearms under justified circumstances).
- HB 644, C. Bell (Adding civil protections for businesses that allow law-abiding gun owners to carry on their property).
Decriminalizing Short-Barrel Firearms
- HB 259 by Rep. Richard Hayes would decriminalize short-barreled firearms that are ideal for home defense and commonly used by law enforcement and military for their maneuverability, yet civilians are currently restricted from using them without additional government permission.
ELIMINATE SALES TAX ON FIREARMS & AMMO
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HB 920 by Rep. Benjamin Bumgarner would end the sales tax on firearms, ammunition, and accessories, making it more affordable for Texans to defend themselves.
Call to Action
While Abbott and Patrick’s priorities address many critical issues, the absence of gun rights protections is a significant oversight. In a state known for its deep-rooted gun culture and fierce defense of individual freedoms, this lack of focus is unacceptable.
Texans who value their Second Amendment rights must act now.
Contact your elected officials and demand that gun rights be prioritized in the 2025 legislative session.
Texas Gun Rights is leading the charge, but we can’t do it alone.
Make your voice heard and ensure that Texas remains a beacon of freedom and firearm liberty.
