Austin, TX – In a stunning rebuke to growing public demand for commonsense gun reform, the Texas Legislature has passed two controversial bills — Senate Bill 1596, which legalizes short-barrel firearms, and Senate Bill 1362, which bans the use of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) in the state and seeks to penalize entities that enforce ERPOs from other jurisdictions.

These legislative moves arrive despite the tireless efforts of advocates and families affected by gun violence, who have long called for stronger protections such as safe firearm storage, universal background checks, and raising the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic rifles. In ignoring these pleas, lawmakers have further deepened the disconnect between political priorities and community safety.

Nicole Golden, Executive Director of Texas Gun Sense, didn’t mince words. “The 89th Legislative Session tested our collective resolve, but it also underscored the strength, strategy, and solidarity of the gun violence prevention movement in Texas,” she said. “While we successfully blocked some of the most reckless proposals — including attempts to lower the age for handgun carry and introduce firearms into schools and hospitals — the passage of SB 1362 and SB 1596 signals a dangerous shift that puts public safety at risk.”

A Legislative Landscape at Odds with Public Will

Despite widespread polling that shows Texans favor stronger gun safety laws, state legislators continue to prioritize gun lobby interests over public health and security. The newly passed laws not only ignore expert recommendations, they directly threaten to reverse gains made in reducing gun-related deaths, suicides, and mass shootings.

SB 1362 eliminates the possibility for judges to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are a danger to themselves or others — a tool that many mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies consider vital in preventing tragedies. Meanwhile, SB 1596 effectively opens the door to the wider circulation of compact, easily concealable firearms often associated with criminal activity.

Texans Mobilize for Change

Though the legislative losses are sobering, the fight is far from over. Texas Gun Sense and its coalition of grassroots advocates are already organizing for the next session. Over the next two years, they plan to build on their momentum, amplify voices from affected communities, and hold elected officials accountable at the ballot box and beyond.

“We are not going anywhere,” said Golden. “Texans deserve to live free from fear, and we will continue working across the state to educate, mobilize, and advocate for policies that prioritize life over politics.”

About Texas Gun Sense

Founded on the belief that every Texan deserves to live in a safe community, Texas Gun Sense works to prevent gun violence through evidence-based policy, public education, and powerful partnerships. The organization remains a key voice in shaping a safer, more responsible future for the Lone Star State.