The bill, which passed the Texas Senate with unanimous Republican support, received a hearing in the Texas House last Thursday.
But gun rights groups are raising alarms over reported attempts by some House Republicans to introduce amendments to appease Democrat concerns — a move they say would weaken the bill and threaten its survival under looming legislative deadlines.
“Republicans control the House. There is no excuse to compromise,” said Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt, whose organization has spearheaded the effort to advance SB 1362.
According to McNutt, any amendment — even those labeled “friendly” — would delay final passage and give opponents a chance to kill the bill through procedural tactics. “This is a calculated stall tactic disguised as bipartisanship,” he said.
What SB 1362 Would Do
Senate Bill 1362 is designed to ensure that Texas cannot become a participant in federal or out-of-state red flag efforts. If enacted, the law would:
Prohibit the implementation of red flag laws in Texas, which allow for firearm seizures based on unverified, anonymous complaints — often without prior notice or due process.
Block Texas state and local law enforcement from enforcing or assisting with red flag orders issued in other jurisdictions, including those from federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Prevent state and local entities from accepting federal grant money linked to the enforcement of red flag-style programs, particularly funding made available under the Biden-Cornyn Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Protect veterans, many of whom are targeted by VA policies that label beneficiaries as mentally unfit to possess firearms without a judicial determination of dangerousness.
De Facto Red Flag Laws Already in Play
Although Texas has no formal red flag statute, gun rights advocates argue that agencies like the VA have effectively implemented red flag policies under the radar.
Veterans receiving financial assistance can be flagged and entered into the NICS database, losing their gun rights without committing a crime or receiving a hearing.
These policies, they argue, are chilling legitimate mental health outreach among veterans who fear disarmament.
According to public records, more than 260,000 veterans nationwide have lost their Second Amendment rights through such administrative actions.
“Veterans served to protect our freedoms, not to be disarmed by bureaucrats without a trial,” McNutt said.
Deadline Pressure Mounts
With the Texas legislative session set to adjourn on June 1, advocates fear that even minor amendments could cause fatal delays.
Texas Gun Rights has issued a statewide call to action, urging members to contact their representatives and demand the immediate passage of SB 1362 in its current form.
The organization is also continuing its fundraising efforts to sustain pressure through digital ads, patch-through phone calls, and mobilization campaigns in key legislative districts.
“This is a clean bill. It has full Republican support in the Senate, and there is no valid reason to weaken it,” McNutt emphasized.
As the bill moves toward a critical House vote, the question remains: Will Texas Republicans hold the line — or give ground on a defining Second Amendment fight?
Gun rights supporters across the state are watching closely.
