88R1659 AJA-F
 
  By: Dutton H.B. No. 925
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to firearms; authorizing a private civil right of action.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a)  The legislature finds and declares that the
  proliferation of assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles, and
  unserialized firearms poses a threat to the health, safety, and
  security of all residents of, and visitors to, this state. All
  Texans are directly harmed by the proliferation of these weapons,
  and this state has a compelling interest in protecting its citizens
  from gun violence and from intimidation by persons brandishing
  these weapons. Further, this state has a compelling interest in
  enabling law enforcement authorities to trace firearms used,
  manufactured, distributed, or transported unlawfully.
         (b)  The legislature further finds and declares that the
  proliferation of firearms to and among young people poses a threat
  to the health, safety, and security of all residents of, and
  visitors to, this state. Firearms are especially dangerous in the
  hands of young people because current research and scientific
  evidence show that young people are more impulsive, more likely to
  engage in risky and reckless behavior, unduly influenced by peer
  pressure, motivated more by rewards than costs or negative
  consequences, less likely to consider the future consequences of
  their actions and decisions, and less able to control themselves in
  emotionally arousing situations. In recognition of these facts, the
  legislature has previously prohibited certain transfers of
  firearms to a person under 18 years of age. This state has a
  compelling interest in further restricting the proliferation of
  firearms among those under 21 years of age.
         (c)  The legislature finds it necessary to restrict assault
  weapons based on a finding that each assault weapon has such a high
  rate of fire and capacity for firepower that its function as a
  legitimate sports or recreational firearm is substantially
  outweighed by the danger that it can be used to kill and injure
  human beings. The legislature also finds it necessary to restrict
  .50 caliber rifles based on a finding that they pose a clear and
  present threat to the health, safety, and security of all residents
  of, and visitors to, this state because those firearms have such a
  high capacity for long-distance and highly destructive firepower
  that they pose an unacceptable risk of death and serious injury of
  human beings, and destruction or serious damage of vital public and
  private buildings, civilian, police, and military vehicles, power
  generation and transmission facilities, petrochemical production
  and storage facilities, and transportation infrastructure. The
  legislature further finds and declares that the manufacture,
  distribution, transport, importation, and sale of unserialized
  firearms pose a threat to the health, safety, and security of all
  residents of, and visitors to, this state and impede law
  enforcement activities, and that the manufacture, distribution,
  transport, importation, and sale of firearm precursor parts and
  kits are contributing to the proliferation of unserialized firearms
  in this state.
         (d)  It is the intent of the legislature in enacting this Act
  to further restrict in this state the manufacture, distribution,
  transportation, importation, sale, loan, and transfer of assault
  weapons, .50 caliber rifles, and unserialized firearms and further
  restrict the proliferation of firearms to and among those under 21
  years of age by creating new civil law prohibitions and a civil
  enforcement mechanism, independent of existing law. This Act may
  not be construed to limit in any way the enforceability of existing
  laws concerning firearms, including Chapter 46, Penal Code.
         (e)  The legislature has defined "assault weapon" to include
  the types, series, and models listed in the definition of that term
  because it is the most effective way to identify and restrict a
  specific class of semiautomatic weapons. The legislature finds a
  significant public purpose in exempting from the definition of
  "assault weapon" pistols that are designed expressly for use in
  Olympic target shooting events. Therefore, those pistols that are
  sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and by USA
  Shooting, the national governing body for international shooting
  competition in the United States, and that were used for Olympic
  target shooting purposes as of January 1, 2001, and that would
  otherwise fall within the definition of "assault weapon" under this
  Act, are exempt as provided by this Act.
         SECTION 2.  Subtitle A, Title 9, Health and Safety Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 769 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 769.  MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, TRANSPORTATION,
  IMPORTATION, SALE, LOAN, OR TRANSFER OF FIREARMS AND PRECURSOR
  PARTS
         Sec. 769.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
               (1)  ".50 caliber rifle" means a centerfire rifle that
  can fire a .50 caliber cartridge and is not already an assault
  weapon or a machine gun. The term does not include an antique
  firearm, curio, or relic, as defined by 27 C.F.R. Section 478.11.
               (2)  "Assault weapon":
                     (A)  includes:
                           (i)  all of the following specified rifles:
                                 (a)  all AK series, including the
  models identified as:
                                       (1)  made in China AK, AKM, AKS,
  AK47, AK47S, 56, 56S, 84S, and 86S;
                                       (2)  Norinco 56, 56S, 84S, and
  86S;
                                       (3)  Poly Technologies AKS and
  AK47; and
                                       (4)  MAADI AK47 and ARM;
                                 (b)  UZI and Galil;
                                 (c)  Beretta AR-70;
                                 (d)  CETME Sporter;
                                 (e)  Colt AR-15 series;
                                 (f)  Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1, Max 2, AR
  100, and AR 110C;
                                 (g)  Fabrique Nationale FAL, LAR, FNC,
  308 Match, and Sporter;
                                 (h)  MAS 223;
                                 (i)  HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, and
  HK-PSG-1;
                                 (j)  the following MAC types:
                                       (1)  RPB Industries Incorporated
  sM10 and sM11; and
                                       (2)  SWD Incorporated M11;
                                 (k)  SKS with detachable magazine;
                                 (l)  SIG AMT, PE-57, SG 550, and SG
  551;
                                 (m)  Springfield Armory BM59 and
  SAR-48;
                                 (n)  Sterling MK-6;
                                 (o)  Steyer AUG;
                                 (p)  Valmet M62S, M71S, and M78S;
                                 (q)  Armalite AR-180;
                                 (r)  Bushmaster Assault Rifle;
                                 (s)  Calico M-900;
                                 (t)  J&R ENG M-68; and
                                 (u)  Weaver Arms Nighthawk;
                           (ii)  all of the following specified
  pistols:
                                 (a)  UZI;
                                 (b)  Encom MP-9 and MP-45; and
                                 (c)  the following MAC types:
                                       (1)  RPB Industries Incorporated
  sM10 and sM11;
                                       (2)  SWD Incorporated M-11;
                                       (3)  Advance Armament
  Incorporated M-11;
                                       (4)  Military Armament
  Corporation Ingram M-11;
                                       (5)  Intratec TEC-9;
                                       (6)  Sites Spectre;
                                       (7)  Sterling MK-7;
                                       (8)  Calico M-950; and
                                       (9)  Bushmaster Pistol;
                           (iii)  all of the following specified
  shotguns:
                                 (a)  Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12;
                                 (b)  Striker 12; and
                                 (c)  the Streetsweeper type S/S
  Incorporated SS/12;
                           (iv)  any firearm declared to be an assault
  weapon by a court;
                           (v)  a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that
  does not have a fixed magazine but has any one of the following:
                                 (a)  a pistol grip that protrudes
  conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
                                 (b)  a thumbhole stock;
                                 (c)  a folding or telescoping stock;
                                 (d)  a grenade launcher or flare
  launcher;
                                 (e)  a flash suppressor; or
                                 (f)  a forward pistol grip;
                           (vi)  a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that
  has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10
  rounds;
                           (vii)  a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that
  has an overall length of less than 30 inches;
                           (viii)  a semiautomatic pistol that does not
  have a fixed magazine but has any one of the following:
                                 (a)  a threaded barrel, capable of
  accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;
                                 (b)  a second handgrip;
                                 (c)  a shroud that is attached to, or
  partially or completely encircles, the barrel that allows the
  bearer to fire the weapon without burning the bearer's hand, except
  a slide that encloses the barrel; or
                                 (d)  the capacity to accept a
  detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip;
                           (ix)  a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed
  magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds;
                           (x)  a semiautomatic shotgun that has both
  of the following:
                                 (a)  a folding or telescoping stock;
  and
                                 (b)  a pistol grip that protrudes
  conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or
  vertical handgrip;
                           (xi)  a semiautomatic shotgun that does not
  have a fixed magazine;
                           (xii)  any shotgun with a revolving
  cylinder;
                           (xiii)  a semiautomatic centerfire firearm
  that is not a rifle, pistol, or shotgun and does not have a fixed
  magazine but has any one of the following:
                                 (a)  a pistol grip that protrudes
  conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
                                 (b)  a thumbhole stock;
                                 (c)  a folding or telescoping stock;
                                 (d)  a grenade launcher or flare
  launcher;
                                 (e)  a flash suppressor;
                                 (f)  a forward pistol grip;
                                 (g)  a threaded barrel, capable of
  accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;
                                 (h)  a second handgrip;
                                 (i)  a shroud that is attached to, or
  partially or completely encircles, the barrel that allows the
  bearer to fire the weapon without burning the bearer's hand, except
  a slide that encloses the barrel; or
                                 (j)  the capacity to accept a
  detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip;
                           (xiv)  a semiautomatic centerfire firearm
  that is not a rifle, pistol, or shotgun and has a fixed magazine
  with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds; and
                           (xv)  a semiautomatic centerfire firearm
  that is not a rifle, pistol, or shotgun and has an overall length of
  less than 30 inches; and
                     (B)  does not include:
                           (i)  any antique firearm; or
                           (ii)  any of the following pistols that are
  sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and by USA
  Shooting, the national governing body for international shooting
  competition in the United States, and that were used for Olympic
  target shooting purposes as of January 1, 2001:
                                 (a)  a Benelli MP90 .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (b)  a Benelli MP90 .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (c)  a Benelli MP95 .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (d)  a Benelli MP95 .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (e)  a Hammerli 280 .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (f)  a Hammerli 280 .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (g)  a Hammerli SP20 .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (h)  a Hammerli SP20 .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (i)  a Pardini GPO .22 caliber short;
                                 (j)  a Pardini GPO-Schumann .22
  caliber short;
                                 (k)  a Pardini HP .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (l)  a Pardini MP .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (m)  a Pardini SP .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (n)  a Pardini SPE .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (o)  a Walther GSP .22 caliber long
  rifle;
                                 (p)  a Walther GSP .32 caliber Smith &
  Wesson long;
                                 (q)  a Walther OSP .22 caliber short;
  or
                                 (r)  a Walther OSP-2000 .22 caliber
  short.
               (3)  "Federally regulated firearm precursor part"
  means any firearm precursor part considered to be a firearm under 18
  U.S.C. Chapter 44 and regulations issued under that chapter, and
  that has been imprinted with a serial number by a federal licensee
  authorized to serialize firearms in compliance with all applicable
  federal laws and regulations.
               (4)  "Firearm" means a device, designed to be used as a
  weapon, from which a projectile is expelled through a barrel by the
  force of an explosion or other form of combustion.
               (5)  "Firearm precursor part" means any forging,
  casting, printing, extrusion, machined body, or similar article
  that has reached a stage in manufacture where the article may
  readily be completed, assembled, or converted to be used as the
  frame or receiver of a functional firearm, or that is marketed or
  sold to the public to become or be used as the frame or receiver of a
  functional firearm once completed, assembled, or converted. The
  term does not include firearm parts that can only be used on antique
  firearms.
               (6)  "Fixed magazine" means an ammunition feeding
  device contained in, or permanently attached to, a firearm in such a
  manner that the device cannot be removed without disassembly of the
  firearm action.
               (7)  "Series" includes all other models that are only
  variations, with minor differences, of those models listed in
  Subdivision (2)(A)(i) regardless of the manufacturer.
               (8)  "Unserialized firearm" means a firearm that does
  not have a serial number as required by law or has had its serial
  number altered or obliterated. 
         Sec. 769.002.  MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, TRANSPORTATION,
  IMPORTATION, SALE, LOAN, OR TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FIREARMS AND
  PRECURSOR PARTS. (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, a person
  within this state may not manufacture or cause to be manufactured,
  distribute, transport, or import into this state, or cause to be
  distributed, transported, or imported into this state, keep for
  sale, offer or expose for sale, or give or lend any assault weapon,
  .50 caliber rifle, or unserialized firearm, except as provided by
  Subsections (f) and (g) and Section 769.003.
         (b)  Except by operation of law, a person may not purchase,
  sell, offer to sell, or transfer ownership of any firearm precursor
  part in this state that is not a federally regulated firearm
  precursor part. This subsection does not apply to:
               (1)  the purchase of a firearm precursor part that is
  not a federally regulated firearm precursor part by a federally
  licensed firearms manufacturer or importer, or by a federal
  licensee authorized to serialize firearms;
               (2)  the sale, offer to sell, or transfer of ownership
  of a firearm precursor part that is not a federally regulated
  firearm precursor part to a federally licensed firearms
  manufacturer or importer, or to a federal licensee authorized to
  serialize firearms; or
               (3)  a common carrier licensed under state law, or a
  motor carrier, air carrier, or carrier affiliated with an air
  carrier through common controlling interest that is subject to
  Title 49, United States Code, or an authorized agent of any such
  carrier, when acting in the course and scope of duties incident to
  the receipt, processing, transportation, or delivery of property.
         (c)  A person may not sell, supply, deliver, or give
  possession or control of a firearm to any person who is under 21
  years of age. This subsection does not apply to or affect the sale,
  supply, delivery, or giving of possession or control of a firearm
  that:
               (1)  is not a handgun or a semiautomatic centerfire
  rifle to a person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid,
  unexpired hunting license issued by the Parks and Wildlife
  Department;
               (2)  is not a handgun, semiautomatic centerfire rifle,
  completed frame or receiver, or firearm precursor part to a person
  who is 18 years of age or older and provides proper identification
  of being an honorably discharged member of the United States Armed
  Forces, the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or the active
  reserve components of the United States; or
               (3)  is not a handgun to a person who is 18 years of age
  or older and:
                     (A)  is an active peace officer, as described by
  Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, who is authorized to
  carry a firearm in the course and scope of employment;
                     (B)  is an active federal officer or law
  enforcement agent who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course
  and scope of employment;
                     (C)  is a reserve peace officer who is authorized
  to carry a firearm in the course and scope of employment as a
  reserve peace officer; or
                     (D)  provides proper identification of active
  membership in the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard,
  the Air National Guard, or the active reserve components of the
  United States.
         (d)  For purposes of Subsection (c)(2), proper
  identification includes a military identification card or other
  written documentation certifying that the person is an honorably
  discharged member.
         (e)  The prohibitions described by Subsections (a), (b), and
  (c) apply regardless of whether the firearm or firearm precursor
  part is misused or is intended to be misused in a criminal or
  unlawful manner.
         (f)  Subsections (a), (b), and (c) do not apply to the sale of
  an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, unserialized firearm, or
  firearm precursor part to, or the purchase, transportation,
  importation, sale or other transfer, or manufacture of an assault
  weapon, .50 caliber rifle, unserialized firearm, or firearm
  precursor part by, any law enforcement agency or public entity that
  employs peace officers, or any authorized law enforcement
  representative thereof, if that agency, entity, or representative
  is not prohibited by law from possessing an assault weapon, .50
  caliber rifle, unserialized firearm, or firearm precursor part,
  including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, a police
  department or sheriff's or marshal's office, the Department of
  Public Safety, a district attorney's office, the Parks and Wildlife
  Department, the military or naval forces of this state or of the
  United States, a law enforcement or military agency of another
  state, any federal law enforcement agency, or any foreign
  government or agency approved by the United States Department of
  State, for use in the discharge of the official duties of those
  entities.
         (g)  Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a person who is
  the executor or administrator of an estate that includes an assault
  weapon or a .50 caliber rifle that is disposed of as authorized by
  the probate court. 
         Sec. 769.003.  SERVICING OR REPAIR OF CERTAIN FIREARMS AND
  PRECURSOR PARTS; TRANSPORTATION; RELINQUISHMENT.
  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 769.002, a firearms dealer may take
  possession of any assault weapon or .50 caliber rifle from any
  person who may legally possess the assault weapon or rifle, or of
  any firearm precursor part, for the purpose of servicing or repair.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 769.002, a firearms dealer may
  transfer possession of any assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or
  firearm precursor part received under Subsection (a) to a gunsmith
  for the purpose of servicing or repair. A transfer is permissible
  only to the following persons:
               (1)  a gunsmith employed by the dealer; or
               (2)  a gunsmith with whom the dealer has contracted for
  gunsmithing services.
         (c)  Subsection (b)(2) applies only if the gunsmith
  receiving the assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or firearm
  precursor part meets both of the following qualifications:
               (1)  the gunsmith holds a dealer license issued under
  18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and the regulations issued under that chapter;
  and
               (2)  the gunsmith holds any business license required
  by a state or local governmental entity.
         (d)  A firearms dealer who lawfully possesses an assault
  weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or firearm precursor part in accordance
  with this section may:
               (1)  transport the firearm or firearm precursor part
  between dealers or out of this state if that person is permitted
  under the National Firearms Act; or
               (2)  sell the firearm or firearm precursor part to a
  resident outside this state.
         (e)  A firearm or firearm precursor part that is transported
  under this section or Section 769.002 must be:
               (1)  transported in a motor vehicle while:
                     (A)  locked in the vehicle's trunk; or
                     (B)  in a locked container in the vehicle that:
                           (i)  is secure and fully enclosed and locked
  by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or similar device; and
                           (ii)  is not a utility or glove compartment
  of the vehicle; and
               (2)  carried directly to or from the motor vehicle in
  the locked container described by Subdivision (1)(B).
         (f)  Notwithstanding Section 769.002, and provided that the
  firearm or firearm precursor part is transported in compliance with
  Subsection (e), an individual may:
               (1)  arrange in advance to relinquish an assault
  weapon, .50 caliber rifle, unserialized firearm, or firearm
  precursor part to a police or sheriff's department;
               (2)  sell, deliver, or transfer an assault weapon, .50
  caliber rifle, unserialized firearm, or firearm precursor part to
  an authorized representative of a municipality, municipality and
  county, county, or state government, or of the federal government,
  provided that the entity is acquiring the weapon as part of an
  authorized, voluntary program in which the entity is buying or
  receiving weapons from private individuals; or
               (3)  transfer, relinquish, or dispose of a firearm or
  firearm precursor part.
         Sec. 769.004.  LIMITATIONS ON PUBLIC ENFORCEMENT.
  (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, the requirements of this
  chapter shall be enforced exclusively through the private civil
  actions described by Section 769.005. Enforcement of this chapter
  may not be taken or threatened by this state, a political
  subdivision of this state, a district, county, or municipal
  attorney, or an executive or administrative officer or employee of
  this state or a political subdivision of this state against any
  person, except as provided by Section 769.005.
         (b)  The fact that conduct violates this chapter is not an
  independent basis for enforcement of any other law of this state, or
  the denial, revocation, suspension, or withholding of any right or
  privilege conferred by the law of this state or a political
  subdivision of this state, or a threat to do the same, by this
  state, a political subdivision of this state, a district, county,
  or municipal attorney, or an executive or administrative officer or
  employee of this state or a political subdivision of this state, or
  a board, commission, or similar body assigned authority to do so
  under law, against any person, except as provided by Section
  769.005. A civil action predicated on a violation of this chapter
  may not be brought by this state, a political subdivision of this
  state, a district, county, or municipal attorney, or an executive
  or administrative officer or employee of this state or a political
  subdivision of this state. For avoidance of doubt, the rights and
  privileges described by this section include any business licenses
  and permits issued under a law of this state. This subsection may
  not be construed to prevent or limit enforcement of any other law
  regulating conduct that also violates this chapter.
         (c)  Subsections (a) and (b) may not be construed to:
               (1)  legalize the conduct prohibited by this chapter;
               (2)  limit or affect the availability of a remedy
  established by Section 769.005; or
               (3)  limit the enforceability of any other laws that
  regulate or prohibit any conduct relating to firearms or firearm
  precursor parts.
         Sec. 769.005.  CIVIL LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OR AIDING AND
  ABETTING VIOLATION. (a)  Any person, other than an officer or
  employee of this state or political subdivision of this state, may
  bring a civil action against any person who:
               (1)  knowingly violates Section 769.002;
               (2)  knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets
  another person in violating Section 769.002, regardless of whether
  the person knew or should have known that the person aided or
  abetted would be violating Section 769.002; or
               (3)  knowingly commits an act with the intent to engage
  in the conduct described by Subdivision (1) or (2).
         (b)  If a claimant prevails in an action brought under this
  section, the court shall award:
               (1)  injunctive relief sufficient to prevent the
  defendant from violating this chapter or engaging in acts that aid
  or abet a violation of this chapter;
               (2)  statutory damages in an amount of not less than
  $10,000 for each weapon or firearm precursor part as to which the
  defendant violated Section 769.002, and for each weapon or firearm
  precursor part as to which the defendant aided or abetted a
  violation of Section 769.002; and
               (3)  attorney's fees and costs.
         (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a court may not award
  relief under this section in response to conduct described by
  Subsection (a) if the defendant demonstrates that the defendant
  previously paid the full amount of any monetary award under
  Subsection (b)(2) in a previous action for each firearm or firearm
  precursor part as to which the defendant violated, or aided or
  abetted a violation of, Section 769.002 or committed an act with the
  intent to violate or aid or abet a violation of that section.
         (d)  Notwithstanding any other law, a cause of action under
  this section is extinguished unless the action is brought not later
  than the fourth anniversary of the day the cause of action accrues.
         (e)  An act or omission in violation of Section 769.002 shall
  be considered an injury in fact to all residents of, and visitors
  to, this state, and any such person shall have standing to bring an
  action under this section. Damages under Subsection (b)(2) may not
  be considered exemplary damages for purposes of Chapter 41, Civil
  Practice and Remedies Code.
         (f)  Notwithstanding any other law, none of the following is
  a defense to an action brought under this section:
               (1)  a defendant's ignorance or mistake of law;
               (2)  a defendant's belief that the requirements of this
  chapter are unconstitutional or were unconstitutional;
               (3)  a defendant's reliance on any court decision that
  has been overruled on appeal or by a subsequent court, even if that
  court decision had not been overruled when the defendant engaged in
  conduct that violates this chapter;
               (4)  a defendant's reliance on any state or federal
  court decision that is not binding on the court in which the action
  has been brought;
               (5)  a nonmutual issue preclusion or nonmutual claim
  preclusion;
               (6)  any claim that the enforcement of this chapter or
  the imposition of civil liability against the defendant will
  violate a constitutional right of a third party;
               (7)  a defendant's assertion that this chapter
  proscribes conduct that is separately prohibited by the Penal Code
  or any other law of this state, or that this chapter proscribes
  conduct beyond that which is already prohibited by the Penal Code or
  any other law of this state; or
               (8)  any claim that the firearm or firearm precursor
  part at issue was not misused, or was not intended to be misused, in
  a criminal or unlawful manner.
         (g)  The following are affirmative defenses to an action
  brought under this section:
               (1)  a person sued under Subsection (a)(2) reasonably
  believed, after conducting a reasonable investigation, that the
  person aided or abetted was complying with this chapter; and
               (2)  a person sued under Subsection (a)(3) reasonably
  believed, after conducting a reasonable investigation, that the
  person was complying with this chapter or was aiding or abetting
  another who was complying with this chapter.
         (h)  The defendant in an action under this section has the
  burden of proving an affirmative defense under Subsection (g) by a
  preponderance of the evidence.
         (i)  This section may not be construed to impose liability on
  any speech or conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United
  States Constitution, as made applicable to the states through the
  United States Supreme Court's interpretation of the Fourteenth
  Amendment to the United States Constitution, or by Section 8,
  Article I, Texas Constitution.
         (j)  Notwithstanding any other law, this state, a state
  official, or a district, county, or municipal attorney may not
  intervene in an action brought under this section. However, this
  subsection does not prohibit a person described by this subsection
  from filing an amicus curiae brief in the action.
         (k)  Notwithstanding any other law, a court may not award
  attorney's fees or costs to a defendant in an action brought under
  this section.
         (l)  An action may not be brought under this section against
  a federal government, state, or political subdivision, or an
  employee of a federal government, state, or political subdivision
  on the basis of acts or omissions in the course of discharge of
  official duties.
         Sec. 769.006.  STANDING TO ASSERT CERTAIN DEFENSES. (a)  A
  defendant against whom an action is brought under Section 769.005
  does not have standing to assert the right of another individual to
  keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment to the United States
  Constitution as a defense to liability under that section unless:
               (1)  the United States Supreme Court holds that the
  courts of this state must confer standing on that defendant to
  assert the third-party rights of other individuals in state court
  as a matter of federal constitutional law; or
               (2)  the defendant has standing to assert the rights of
  other individuals under the tests for third-party standing
  established by the United States Supreme Court.
         (b)  A defendant in an action brought under Section 769.005
  may assert an affirmative defense to liability under this section
  if the defendant:
               (1)  has standing to assert the third-party right of an
  individual to keep and bear arms in accordance with Subsection (a);
  and
               (2)  demonstrates that the relief sought by the
  claimant will violate the third party's rights under the Second
  Amendment to the United States Constitution as defined by clearly
  established case law of the United States Supreme Court.
         (c)  This section may not be construed to limit or preclude a
  defendant from asserting the defendant's personal constitutional
  rights as a defense to liability under Section 769.005. A court may
  not award relief under Section 769.005 if the conduct for which the
  defendant has been sued was an exercise of a state or federal
  constitutional right that personally belongs to the defendant.
         Sec. 769.007.  CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER.  This chapter may
  not be construed to:
               (1)  authorize the initiation of an action under this
  chapter against a person purchasing, obtaining, or attempting to
  purchase or obtain an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle,
  unserialized firearm, or firearm precursor part from a person
  acting in violation of this chapter;
               (2)  wholly or partly repeal, either expressly or by
  implication, any other statute that regulates or prohibits any
  conduct relating to firearms or firearm precursor parts; or
               (3)  restrict a political subdivision from regulating
  or prohibiting conduct relating to assault weapons, .50 caliber
  rifles, unserialized firearms, or firearm precursor parts in a
  manner that is at least as stringent as the laws of this state.
         Sec. 769.008.  VENUE. (a)  Notwithstanding any other law,
  an action brought under Section 769.005 shall be brought in:
               (1)  the county in which all or a substantial part of
  the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred;
               (2)  the county of residence of any natural person
  defendant at the time the cause of action accrued;
               (3)  the county of the principal office in this state of
  any defendant that is not a natural person; or
               (4)  the county of residence for the claimant if the
  claimant is a natural person residing in this state.
         (b)  Notwithstanding any other law, if an action is brought
  under Section 769.005 in one of the venues described by Subsection
  (a), the action may not be transferred to a different venue without
  the written consent of all parties.
         Sec. 769.009.  SOVEREIGN, GOVERNMENTAL, AND OFFICIAL
  IMMUNITY PRESERVED. (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, this state
  has sovereign immunity, a political subdivision has governmental
  immunity, and each officer and employee of this state or a political
  subdivision of this state has official immunity in any action,
  claim, or counterclaim or any type of legal or equitable action that
  challenges the validity of any provision or application of this
  chapter, on constitutional grounds or otherwise.
         (b)  A provision of state law may not be construed to waive or
  abrogate an immunity described by Subsection (a) unless the
  provision expressly waives immunity under this section.
         Sec. 769.010.  SEVERABILITY. (a)  It is the intent of the
  legislature that every provision, section, subdivision, sentence,
  clause, phrase, and word in this chapter, and every application of
  the provisions of this chapter, are severable from each other.
         (b)  If any application of any provision in this chapter to
  any person, group of persons, or circumstances is found by a court
  to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining applications of
  that provision to all other persons and circumstances shall be
  severed and may not be affected. All constitutionally valid
  applications of this chapter shall be severed from any applications
  that a court finds to be invalid, leaving the valid applications in
  force, because it is the legislature's intent and priority that the
  valid applications be allowed to stand alone. Even if a reviewing
  court finds a provision of this chapter to impose an
  unconstitutional burden in a large or substantial fraction of
  relevant cases, the applications that do not present an
  unconstitutional burden shall be severed from the remaining
  applications and shall remain in force, and shall be treated as if
  the legislature had enacted a statute limited to the persons, group
  of persons, or circumstances for which the statute's application
  does not present an unconstitutional burden. If any court declares
  or finds a provision of this chapter facially unconstitutional,
  when discrete applications of that provision can be enforced
  against a person, group of persons, or circumstances without
  violating the United States Constitution and the Texas
  Constitution, those applications shall be severed from all
  remaining applications of the provision, and the provision shall be
  interpreted as if the legislature had enacted a provision limited
  to the persons, group of persons, or circumstances for which the
  provision's application will not violate the United States
  Constitution and the Texas Constitution.
         (c)  The legislature further declares that it would have
  enacted this chapter, and each provision, section, subdivision,
  sentence, clause, phrase, and word, and all constitutional
  applications of this chapter, irrespective of the fact that any
  provision, section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or
  word, or application of this chapter, were to be declared
  unconstitutional or to represent an unconstitutional burden.
         (d)  If any provision of this chapter is found by any court to
  be unconstitutionally vague, then the applications of that
  provision that do not present constitutional vagueness problems
  shall be severed and remain in force.
         (e)  A court may not decline to enforce the severability
  requirements of this section on the ground that severance would
  rewrite the statute or involve the court in legislative or
  lawmaking activity. A court that declines to enforce or enjoins a
  state official from enforcing a statutory provision of this chapter
  does not rewrite a statute, as the statute continues to contain the
  same words as before the court's decision. A judicial injunction or
  declaration of unconstitutionality of a provision of this chapter:
               (1)  is nothing more than an edict prohibiting
  enforcement that may subsequently be vacated by a later court if
  that court has a different understanding of the requirements of the
  Texas Constitution or the United States Constitution;
               (2)  is not a formal amendment of the language in a
  statute; and
               (3)  does not rewrite a statute any more than a decision
  by the executive not to enforce a duly enacted statute in a limited
  and defined set of circumstances.
         Sec. 769.011.  OPERATION OF CHAPTER. This chapter becomes
  inoperative on invalidation of Subchapter H, Chapter 171, Health
  and Safety Code, in its entirety by a final decision of the United
  States Supreme Court or Texas Supreme Court.
         SECTION 3.  Chapter 30, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is
  amended by adding Section 30.023 to read as follows:
         Sec. 30.023.  AWARD OF ATTORNEY'S FEES IN ACTIONS
  CHALLENGING FIREARMS LAW. (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, any
  person, including an entity, attorney, or law firm, that seeks
  declaratory or injunctive relief to prevent this state, a political
  subdivision of this state, a governmental entity or public official
  in this state, or a person in this state from enforcing any statute,
  ordinance, rule, regulation, or other type of law that regulates or
  restricts firearms, or that represents any litigant seeking that
  relief, is jointly and severally liable to pay the attorney's fees
  and costs of the prevailing party.
         (b)  For purposes of this section, a party is considered a
  prevailing party if a court:
               (1)  dismisses any claim or cause of action brought by
  the party seeking the declaratory or injunctive relief described by
  Subsection (a), regardless of the reason for the dismissal; or
               (2)  enters judgment in favor of the party opposing the
  declaratory or injunctive relief described by Subsection (a), on
  any claim or cause of action.
         (c)  Regardless of whether a prevailing party sought to
  recover attorney's fees or costs in the underlying action, a
  prevailing party under this section may bring a civil action to
  recover attorney's fees and costs against a person, including an
  entity, attorney, or law firm, that sought declaratory or
  injunctive relief described by Subsection (a) not later than the
  third anniversary of the date on which, as applicable:
               (1)  the dismissal or judgment described by Subsection
  (b) becomes final on the conclusion of appellate review; or
               (2)  the time for seeking appellate review expires.
         (d)  None of the following is a defense to an action brought
  under Subsection (c):
               (1)  a prevailing party under this section failed to
  seek recovery of attorney's fees or costs in the underlying action;
               (2)  the court in the underlying action declined to
  recognize or enforce the requirements of this section; or
               (3)  the court in the underlying action held that any
  provision of this section is invalid, unconstitutional, or
  preempted by federal law, notwithstanding the doctrines of issue or
  claim preclusion.
         (e)  Any person, including an entity, attorney, or law firm,
  that seeks declaratory or injunctive relief as described by
  Subsection (a) may not be considered a prevailing party under this
  section or any other provision of this chapter.
         SECTION 4.  Subchapter C, Chapter 311, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 311.037 to read as follows:
         Sec. 311.037.  CONSTRUCTION OF FIREARMS STATUTES. (a)  A
  statute that regulates or prohibits firearms may not be construed
  to repeal any other statute that regulates or prohibits firearms,
  either wholly or partly, unless the later-enacted statute
  explicitly states that it is repealing the other statute.
         (b)  A statute may not be construed to restrict a political
  subdivision from regulating or prohibiting firearms in a manner
  that is at least as stringent as the laws of this state, unless the
  statute explicitly states that political subdivisions are
  prohibited from regulating or prohibiting firearms in the manner
  described by the statute.
         (c)  Every statute that regulates or prohibits firearms is
  severable in each of its applications to every person and
  circumstance. If any statute that regulates or prohibits firearms
  is found by any court to be unconstitutional, either on its face or
  as applied, then all applications of that statute that do not
  violate the United States Constitution and Texas Constitution shall
  be severed from the unconstitutional applications and shall remain
  enforceable, notwithstanding any other law, and the statute shall
  be interpreted as if containing language limiting the statute's
  application to the persons, group of persons, or circumstances for
  which the statute's application will not violate the United States
  Constitution and Texas Constitution.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.