BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3053

By: Virdell

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that firearm buyback programs have been implemented in various municipalities as an effort to reduce gun violence by allowing individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms, often in exchange for financial compensation or other incentives. The bill author has also informed the committee that supporters argue that these programs help remove unwanted firearms from circulation, potentially preventing crime, accidents, and suicides; however, critics contend that such programs are largely ineffective in reducing crime rates, as the firearms turned in are often older or non-functional, and criminals are unlikely to participate. According to a 2023 study by the Cato Institute, data from 1991 to 2015 showed no evidence that firearm buyback programs were effective at deterring gun crime in either the short or long term. The Rand Corporation determined in the same year that evidence for the effectiveness of firearm buyback programs is "thin." The Cato study further found that a small increase in gun crimes occurred during the two months following a firearm buyback program, which would be consistent with criminals understanding that the area is less secure due to the removal of firearms from law-abiding owners. H.B. 3053 seeks to address this issue and ensure a consistent statewide approach to firearm regulation by prohibiting municipalities and counties from organizing, sponsoring, or participating in firearm buyback programs.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3053 amends the Local Government Code to prohibit a municipality or county from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, order, or other measure in which the municipality or county organizes, sponsors, or participates in a program that purchases or offers to purchase firearms with the intent to remove firearms from circulation, reduce the number of firearms owned by civilians, or allow individuals to sell firearms without fear of criminal prosecution.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.