Bill

SB 162

87(R) - 2021
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs
Crimes
Weapons

Companion Bill

HB 347

Contact the Author

César J Blanco

Phone:

(512) 463-0129

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

César J Blanco

Bill Caption

Relating to a false statement made to illegally acquire a firearm; creating a criminal offense

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 162 would stipulate that a person commits an offense if, while prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, they knowingly make a material false statement on a form that is required by state or federal law for the purchase, sale, or other transfer of a firearm and is submitted to a licensed firearms dealer.  Such an offense would be a state jail felony.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While lying on a background check form for the purposes of purchasing a firearm is already a violation of federal law, the federal government has not done a stellar job of following up when purchases are rejected due to a failed background check. This bill would give the state standing to fill in the gaps where the federal government has failed. We would prefer the federal government to do a better job of enforcing its own laws. Texas Action is neutral on SB 162.

Contact the Author

César J Blanco

Phone:

(512) 463-0129

Email: