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Read. Follow. Verify.Texas Bill Exempts Intrastate Firearms, Accessories, and Ammunition from Federal Regulation
Last action · April 30, 2025: Left pending in committeeSponsors: Valoree Swanson and 9 others
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What This Bill Proposed
Texas House Bill 1617 exempts firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition manufactured entirely within Texas from federal laws and regulations, provided they remain within state borders. The measure requires qualifying firearms to be stamped 'Made in Texas' and directs the state attorney general to seek a federal upholding the law upon a citizen's written notice. The act applies to items manufactured on or after its effective date.
Manufacturers and residents producing firearms or ammunition strictly within Texas would operate free from federal registration and regulatory mandates, provided the items exclude out-of-state parts other than generic components like screws and springs.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Texas residents and manufacturers
Makers of firearms, accessories, and ammunition within Texas are exempt from federal registration and regulation for qualifying intrastate products.
Attorney General
The attorney general is required to seek a declaratory judgment in a federal district court upon receiving written notification from a citizen.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are exempt from federal regulation under this bill?
Are all firearms included in this exemption?
What marking is required on firearms sold under this provision?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.
Procedural history
7 actions- Apr 30, 2025HouseLeft pending in committee
- Apr 30, 2025HouseTestimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
- Apr 30, 2025HouseConsidered in public hearing
- Apr 30, 2025HouseScheduled for public hearing on . . .
- Mar 12, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to State Affairs
- Mar 12, 2025HouseIntroducedRead first time
Show 1 earlier action
- Dec 13, 2024HouseIntroducedFiled
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
State-Level Federal Exemption Strategy
The bill utilizes state constitutional findings regarding the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to establish a statutory firewall against federal firearms registration for intrastate production.
Connected Entities
Sources
capitol.texas.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 65)
- Controversy85Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz50Current news / social attention level
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