The Texas House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veteran’s Affairs recently held a marathon “gun day hearing”, beginning at 10:45 a.m. and concluding around 9:00 p.m.
The agenda was packed with a series of pro-Second Amendment bills, all of which received support from Texas Gun Rights (TXGR), the state’s leading no-compromise gun rights organization.
This year’s “gun day” in the Texas House stood out for another reason—it was the first time the committee’s hearing schedule did not include any gun control bills, a stark contrast under the leadership of Chairman Cole Hefner, which drew the ire of Moms Demand Action and Giffords Gun Control activists who filled the committee room.
These activists opposed every pro-gun measure presented while also demanding a ban on so-called “assault weapons” for law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds—Texans old enough to serve in the military, vote and enter into life-altering contracts.
In contrast, TXGR President Chris McNutt led the charge in testifying and registering in support of the comprehensive package of bills aimed at restoring and expanding the rights of lawful gun owners across the Lone Star State.
Key Bills Backed by Texas Gun Rights
HB 259 (Rep. Hayes) received strong support from TXGR. This bill proposes the removal of short-barreled firearms from the state’s list of prohibited weapons.
The current Texas Penal Code criminalizes rifles with barrels less than 16 inches and shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches, despite these firearms being functionally similar to their longer-barreled counterparts.
TXGR emphasized that this arbitrary classification leads to confusion for both gun owners and law enforcement.
The bill would align Texas law with federal standards, allowing ownership of short-barreled firearms as long as they are federally compliant. The Senate companion to HB 259, SB 1596 (Sen. Hagenbuch) was referred to this committee just days after the hearing, which signals a good chance of the policy becoming law.
Also receiving strong support from TXGR was HB 2882 (Rep. Isaac), which clarifies that handguns equipped with stabilizing braces are not considered short-barreled rifles under Texas law.
This bill helps eliminate confusion stemming from recent federal rule changes and ensures that lawful gun owners are protected under state law.
In case you missed it, TXGR testified in support of the House companion bill to REMOVE short barrel firearms from the state prohibited weapons list on Monday (HB 259, Hayes).
With the Senate version just passing, this policy is now only a couple of votes away from the… https://t.co/IvBLEFQyBx pic.twitter.com/fMO8KTgxsw
— Texas Gun Rights (@TXGunRights) April 16, 2025
Rolling Back “Gun-Free Zones” to Enhance Safety
Research has consistently shown that gun-free zones become targets for mass shooters, and TXGR testified in support of several bills to reduce these vulnerable zones.
Chief among them was HB 4201 (Rep. Schatzline), which seeks to allow licensed handgun carriers to carry on most government-owned or leased properties.
TXGR described this bill as a critical step toward empowering responsible citizens to defend themselves in public spaces.
TXGR also supported:
HB 1128 (Isaac & Hefner), allowing election judges and early voting clerks who are licensed handgun carriers to protect themselves while on duty at polling places.
HB 1794 (Tepper), which expands carry rights at polling locations for licensed Texans, further eroding these dangerous “gun-free zones.”
HB 2215 (LaHood), which broadens carry rights for retired prosecutors and criminal attorneys, recognizing that these individuals may face unique security threats due to their former roles.
“Gun Free zones” are anything but.
Let’s call them what they truly are- Criminal Safety Zones.@McNutt2A pic.twitter.com/5ijboRMZeG
— Texas Gun Rights (@TXGunRights) April 16, 2025
Restoring Rights for Young Adults and Nonviolent Felons
HB 2470 (Rep. Virdell), which TXGR gave strong support, aims to restore full carry rights to 18- to 20-year-old Texans for both licensed and permitless carry.
This legislation reflects recent judicial decisions affirming that legal adults should not be denied their right to self-defense simply based on age. TXGR emphasized that young adults, including single mothers, military-aged citizens, and first responders, should not have to wait until they turn 21 to lawfully carry a handgun.
Another key measure: HB 2711 (Rep. Hayes), would restore gun rights to non-violent felons five years after completing their sentence, provided they are eligible under federal law.
This bill excludes violent offenders but ensures that rehabilitated citizens can exercise their right to self-defense after demonstrating they are no threat to society.
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Fair Treatment for Out-of-State Gun Owners and Taxpayer Protection
HB 1337 (Rep. Isaac) ensures that out-of-state license holders receive the same protections as Texas License to Carry (LTC) holders while carrying in Texas.
TXGR testified that this bill helps prevent law-abiding visitors from blue states from facing legal pitfalls due to uneven reciprocity laws.
Additionally, HB 3053 (Rep. Virdell), would prohibit local governments from funding gun buyback programs.
These buyback schemes fail to reduce crime and instead waste taxpayer money, potentially shielding criminals by allowing them to dispose of firearms without accountability.
A Strong Stand for Second Amendment Freedoms
By backing this comprehensive package, TXGR continues to lead the fight to restore Second Amendment protections in Texas, ensuring that lawful gun owners are not treated as criminals for exercising their rights.
The battle for Texans’ right to keep and bear arms remains as vital as ever, and TXGR is ensuring that pro-gun voices are heard loud and clear in the state legislature.
