In the aftermath of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats won every statewide office and gained control of the Texas House, a significant legislative initiative on gun control has emerged. Lawmakers have prefiled over 20 bills focused on firearm ownership, transfers, and penalties for related offenses for the upcoming 90th Legislature.
Prefiling commenced on November 9, with reports indicating that around 25 bills concerning firearms regulations have been proposed, predominantly by Democrats. Estimates of total gun-related measures filed range from about 20 to 35, most advocating for new limits on firearm ownership.
This surge in anti-Second Amendment legislation follows a campaign centered on issues of affordability and cost of living. Key victories for Democrats included the election of Governor Gina Hinojosa, who succeeded Greg Abbott, along with wins for other statewide positions.
Key Proposals and Concerns
Among the initial filings is a bill from Houston Representative Ann Johnson that would enable family members or law enforcement to petition a judge for the confiscation of someone’s firearms. Often referred to as “red flag laws,” such proposals have drawn criticism for potentially violating due process.
Under this legislation, a judge could issue a temporary order based on paperwork asserting that a person poses an immediate danger due to mental health concerns, without a prior hearing or notifying the gun owner. The order would require the individual to surrender their firearms quickly, typically within a day, with a full hearing postponed.
Additionally, Johnson’s bill seeks to overturn a 2025 Texas law that limited similar legal actions.
The 2027 Texas legislative session hasn't even begun, and lawmakers have already filed roughly 35 firearm-related bills, including proposals to:
– ban certain semi-automatic firearms
– restrict gun ownership for adults under 21
– impose background checks on private sales
-… pic.twitter.com/7YCwLqIJqR— NRA (@NRA) November 10, 2026
Another focus of several House bills would target individuals under 21, making it a state jail felony for them to buy or receive certain semiautomatic rifles, especially those that accept detachable magazines and exceed .22 caliber. A separate bill proposed by Representative Suleman Lalani would prohibit anyone under 21 from purchasing or possessing any firearm.
Further Restrictions and Changes
In the Senate, Senator Judith Zaffirini has proposed legislation that would impose similar restrictions on firearms labeled as “assault weapons.” This term is broadly defined and has raised concerns among gun advocates, who warn that it could effectively criminalize the ownership of many popular semiautomatic firearms.
Additional legislative filings include demand for changes in private sales and record-keeping of gun transactions, adding requirements for personal transfers to be conducted through licensed dealers for background check purposes. Representative Moody’s proposals would also compel gun dealers to report when individuals purchase multiple firearms within a short period.
Further, there are provisions to ban 3D-printed firearms, increase penalties if a child accesses a firearm, enhance regulations on reckless discharge, and enable local governments to impose restrictions on guns in public libraries.
Gun rights advocates have criticized this extensive package, labeling it as a coordinated attempt to undermine Second Amendment rights, with provisions suggesting court-ordered confiscation without initial hearings, age limitations on firearm access, and mandatory reporting requirements that may lead to a gun registry.
