In September 2019, Texas introduced a series of new gun laws that changed how residents store, carry, and report firearms. These updates built on prior statutes while adding new responsibilities for owners and license holders.
The following sections detail the most important changes, practical effects, and common questions surrounding new texas gun laws september 2019.
| Effective Date | Key Provision | Who Is Affected | Primary Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2019 | Campus carry expansion | Licensed handgun holders | Allowed concealed carry in most public university buildings and parking lots |
| September 1, 2019 | Firearm storage during mental health holds | Law enforcement & temporary holds | Required officers to secure or return firearms when feasible |
| September 1, 2019 | Prohibition on bump stocks | All firearm owners & sellers | Made possession and transfer of bump stocks a state misdemeanor |
| September 1, 2019 | Definition of family violence misdemeanors | Individuals convicted of family violence | Broadened offenses that permanently bar possession of firearms |
Campus Carry Rules On Public University Grounds
The most visible element of new texas gun laws september 2019 involved campus carry policies on higher education campuses. Under updated provisions, eligible licensed holders could bring concealed handguns into most public university buildings and parking lots.
Institutions were required to establish clear signage and written policies, outline where handguns were prohibited in sensitive areas such as dorms and certain meeting spaces, and provide safety training guidance without overstepping state law boundaries.
Firearm Storage During Mental Health Holds
Another major shift required law enforcement to address firearm storage whenever someone was temporarily held under a mental health statute. When practical, officers had options to return firearms to the owner, transfer them to a third party, or store them securely until the hold was lifted.
This approach aimed to reduce risk while respecting rights, emphasizing that authorities must document their actions and follow specific procedures to protect both public safety and individual property.
Bump Stock Ban And Definitions Of Prohibited Conduct
Alongside federal actions, Texas reinforced its stance by classifying bump stock devices as illegal weapons under state law. The change made it a misdemeanor to manufacture, transfer, or possess such devices, closing a potential loophole that could be used to mimic automatic fire.
Additionally, the updates clarified that certain family violence misdemeanors would immediately result in lifelong firearm restrictions, ensuring that courts and law enforcement had consistent standards when determining prohibited persons.
Training, Nfa Items, And Compliance For Owners And Dealers
While Texas does not require general firearm training for ownership, new texas gun laws september 2019 maintained strong expectations around responsible handling and safe storage, especially around children and vulnerable individuals.
For items regulated under the National Firearms Act, such as short-barreled rifles and suppressors, dealers and transfer agents were reminded to complete background checks and documentation through proper federal channels, keeping state practices aligned with federal requirements.
Key Takeaways For Texas Residents And Law Enforcement
- Licensed individuals may carry concealed weapons in most public university buildings and parking lots, provided they comply with signage and restrictions.
- Mental health hold procedures must include clear steps for firearm storage, transfer, or return to protect both public safety and owner rights.
- Bump stocks are explicitly prohibited, and possession can result in misdemeanor charges.
- Specific family violence misdemeanors lead to permanent firearm bans, closing prior gaps in enforcement.
- Compliance with federal NFA processes remains essential for dealers and transferers of regulated items.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I need a license to carry a concealed handgun on a Texas public university campus after September 2019?
Yes, you must have a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC) to concealed carry on public university property, and you must follow specific campus locations where handguns are allowed.
What happens to my firearms if I am temporarily held under a mental health hold in Texas after September 2019?
Law enforcement is required to secure or facilitate the return of your firearms when feasible, using documented procedures to store or transfer them to a third party or return them after the hold ends.
Are bump stocks still legal to own in Texas as of September 2019?
No, bump stocks are classified as illegal weapons in Texas after September 2019, and it is a misdemeanor to manufacture, transfer, or possess them.
Which family violence offenses trigger a permanent ban on firearm possession in Texas after the September 2019 updates?
Certain family violence misdemeanors, including assault causing bodily injury, stalking, and violating protective orders, result in a lifelong prohibition on possessing firearms under Texas law.