88R3696 AJZ-D
 
  By: Goodwin H.B. No. 856
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a required notice for certain firearm transfers;
  creating a criminal offense.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Title 6, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 205 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 205.  REGULATION OF FIREARM TRANSFERS
  SUBCHAPTER A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 205.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "firearm" has
  the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code.
  SUBCHAPTER B.  NOTICE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN FIREARM TRANSFERS
         Sec. 205.051.  NOTICE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN FIREARM
  TRANSFERS; OFFENSE.  (a)  A person who engages in the retail
  business of selling or renting firearms to consumers may not sell,
  rent, lease, loan, or give a firearm to another person unless the
  person posts the sign described by Subsection (b).
         (b)  A person described by Subsection (a) shall post, in the
  manner described by Subsection (c) at the site or location at which
  the firearms are displayed and delivered, a sign that:
               (1)  includes language that is identical to the
  following: "ACCESS TO A FIREARM IN THE HOME SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES
  THE RISK OF SUICIDE, HOMICIDE, DEATH DURING DOMESTIC DISPUTES, AND
  UNINTENTIONAL DEATHS OF CHILDREN, HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS, AND OTHERS.  
  IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS EXPERIENCING DISTRESS AND/OR DEPRESSION
  CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE LIFELINE AT 988.";
               (2)  includes the language described by Subdivision (1)
  in both English and Spanish;
               (3)  appears in contrasting colors with block letters
  in at least 24-point font;
               (4)  is 8.5 by 11 inches or larger; and
               (5)  is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly
  visible to the public.
         (c)  A sign described by Subsection (b) must be posted at
  each entrance to the site or location and near the point of sale.
         (d)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  
  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.