Do You Know the Shocking Details of Gun Control Laws in Texas?

Every state across the nation has different gun laws allowing for different levels of gun use. In Texas, the gun laws can seem — especially compared to other states — somewhat lax. Many people outside of the state hold preconceived notions that the people of Texas love their guns and are thus okay with the more relaxed policies. However, a new survey from the University of Houston found that the opposite is actually true. The survey, which included data from 1,200 respondents, found that many Texans supported gun control legislation. 91% of respondents reported that people buying guns at gun shows should have to undergo a background check; 80% supported gun control measures that had been passed in other states. Given this new information, it seems as though Texan citizens and the Texas government are not necessarily aligned on this issue.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed Texas’ approach to 14 key gun control policy areas using data from the Giffords Law Center, a gun violence prevention group, finding that Texas has some of the weakest gun control laws in the country. Accounting for a wide range of policies at the disposal of state governments — including assault-style weapon and high-capacity magazine bans, universal background check laws, waiting periods, and restrictions on firearms in public — Gifford’s Law Center assigned Texas a letter grade of “F”, on an A-F scale, for the strength of its gun control policies. Laws on this list are not exhaustive and only represent broad guidelines. Also, legal nuances can vary at the state and local levels. (Does your state get an A+ or a F when it comes to gun laws?)

Why It Matters

With the exception of some modest revisions to background check protocols, the United States has not implemented any meaningful gun control reform in decades. Still, state governments also have the authority to enact their own policies, resulting in a patchwork of gun laws across the 50 states. Currently, Texas ranks as having some of the weakest state-level firearm regulations in the country. By learning about Texas’ gun laws, you can become better informed about some of the gun issues facing our country. If you live in Texas, knowing these laws will also help you as a gun owner.

Do you know the details of Texas’ gun laws?: 

Universal Background Check Laws

• State policy: Under federal law, all gun buyers must undergo a background check before obtaining a firearm from a licensed retailer — but transfers made from unlicensed retailers are exempt from background check requirements. While many states have closed this loophole with universal background check laws, Texas has not.

Mental Health Reporting

• State policy: Texas is required to report individuals involuntarily committed to undergo mental health treatment in an inpatient setting to federal background check databases, as well as those who are living with a guardian because they cannot manage their own affairs. However, the state is not required to report those being involuntarily treated in outpatient facilities.

Concealed Carry of a Firearm

• State policy: No permit required to carry a concealed firearm in certain public places in Texas.

Handgun Open Carry Regulations

• State policy: Lawful gun owners are generally permitted to open-carry a handgun in certain public places in Texas, provided the firearm is secured in a holster.

Long Gun Open Carry Regulations

• State policy: In Texas, long guns may be openly carried in certain public places, as long as the firearm is not deliberately used in a manner to deliberately cause alarm.

Stand Your Ground Laws

• State policy: Use of deadly force is permitted in public, if necessary, to prevent death or serious bodily harm — even if it is possible to step away from the incident.

Guns in Schools

• State policy: In Texas, firearms can be carried in K-12 schools by school security officers, teachers, and other school employees, provided the individual is a designated school marshal or is otherwise authorized to manage school security.

Mandatory Waiting Periods for Firearm Purchases

• State policy: There is no mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases in Texas.

Assault-Style Weapons

• State policy: Assault-style weapons, like those modeled after AK-47 or M-16 military rifles, are not regulated in Texas.

High-Capacity Magazines

• State policy: Texas does not restrict high-capacity magazines.

Licensing Requirements

• State policy: Gun owners or prospective buyers do not need to obtain a permit in Texas.

State-level Prohibitions on Firearm Ownership

• State policy: In Texas, individuals struggling with alcohol abuse can have their access to firearms restricted. People convicted of hate crimes or domestic violence may also face prohibitions.

Minimum Age Requirements for Handguns

• State policy: In Texas, individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase a handgun. The state does not set a minimum age requirement for possession of a handgun.

Minimum Age Requirements for Long Guns

• State policy: In Texas, individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun, like a rifle or shotgun. The state does not set a minimum age requirement for possession of a long gun.

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