Texas Set to Legalize Short-Barrel Firearms Under SB 1596

The 89th Texas Legislative Session will end on June 2nd, 2025, and Texas lawmakers are working hard to get their bills passed and sent to the Governor's office for a signature, making them law.

What Is SB 1596?

This bill changes the rules on short-barrel firearms.  A short-barreled firearm would be commonly known as a sawed-off shotgun.  Currently, there are laws that do not allow shotguns or rifles with a shorter barrel.

What is a Short-Barrel Firearm?

A rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.

 

How the Texas Law on Short-Barrel Firearms Would Change

Right now, in Texas, it is illegal to own, sell, create, or transport these guns unless you are law enforcement or military.

However, this will all be changing soon.

Senate Bill 1596 will remove short-barrel firearms from the list of illegal weapons in Texas law.  Texans would be able to own these guns as long as the proper federal rules are followed.

• A background check
• To register the gun with the ATF
• To pay a $200 tax

Senate Bill 1596 has passed both the Senate and House of Representatives in Texas, and is heading to Governor Abbott's desk for his signature to sign it into Texas law.

Supporters of the Texas Senate Bill 1596

Supporters of this bill are excited for these changes because it supports Second Amendment rights, and it will no longer conflict with state and federal laws.  The passage of this bill also focuses on lawful gun ownership.

Opponents of Texas Senate Bill 1596

The worry about the passage of this bill includes that these weapons are easily concealed, and it is believed that it could increase gun violence. Many opponents of this bill cite the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, where a short-barreled firearm was used.

When Would Texas Senate Bill 1596 Go Into Law?

If Governor Abbott signs off on the bill, then the changes would go into effect on September 1, 2025.