Texas House Bill 320: New Rules for Semiautomatic Rifle Sales

Texas House Bill 320 proposes changes to state law about selling semiautomatic rifles. The bill focuses on age restrictions and criminal penalties for illegal firearm transfers. The main change adds a new age requirement: no one younger than 21 years old can buy a semiautomatic rifle. This is separate from existing rules that already prevent children under 18 from getting most other firearms. Under current Texas law, people who sell firearms to prohibited buyers face criminal charges. House Bill 320 makes the penalties stronger for selling semiautomatic rifles to anyone under 21. The bill also increases criminal penalties for certain firearm violations. Breaking the new semiautomatic rifle age rule would be a state jail felony, which is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. This means people convicted could face jail time and other legal consequences. House Bill 320 was introduced by Representative Ron Reynolds and filed on September 3, 2025. The bill applies only to crimes committed after it becomes law. If passed, this law takes effect on October 1, 2025. Community members can track this bill's progress through the Texas Legislature and share feedback with elected officials about firearms regulations.