TX HB2629

Requires persons convicted of family violence offenses or subject to protective orders (including emergency protection orders) to surrender all firearms they own within 48 hours of receiving notice or being released from custody

Provides three options for firearm surrender: selling to a licensed firearms dealer, surrendering to law enforcement for temporary holding (if appealing conviction or subject to protective order), or surrendering to law enforcement for permanent disposition (if not appealing)

Persons who do not own firearms must submit a signed affidavit to the court affirming they have no firearms; those who sell to dealers must file the receipt with the court

Law enforcement agencies may charge reasonable storage fees and must conduct criminal background checks before returning firearms; firearms may be returned if convictions are vacated or protective orders expire, provided the person can legally possess firearms

Unclaimed firearms surrendered under this chapter must be sold by licensed dealers rather than destroyed or forfeited to the state, with proceeds going to the owner minus administrative and storage costs; applies to convictions and orders issued on or after January 1, 2026