Texas Democrats wasted no time in unveiling their radical agenda for the Lone Star State, and the initial preview for gun owners is, predictably, ugly. Fresh off a blue wave that delivered them a majority in the state House and the governor’s mansion, the Democrat machine immediately targeted Second Amendment rights, confirming every conservative’s worst fears.
When bill prefiling opened on November 9, Democrats flooded the legislative docket with gun control proposals. The Texan newspaper counted an astounding 23 gun bills, almost all in the House, while the NRA-ILA tallied roughly 35 firearm-related bills on day one alone. This barrage of legislation seems to be the true priority for a party that conveniently duped voters into believing their primary concerns were mere gas and grocery prices. Funny how that always seems to happen in one direction.
This progressive wish list reads like it was copied straight from the radical enclaves of New York or California, not the proud, freedom-loving Lone Star State.
State Rep. Ann Johnson's HB 218 is a prime example, aiming to create "extreme risk protective orders"—better known as red flag laws. This bill would brazenly repeal the 2025 law Governor Greg Abbott signed, which wisely banned such infringements. Red flag laws are a blatant violation of due process, allowing government officials to seize a citizen’s firearms before they have been convicted of any crime or given a full opportunity to defend themselves in court. Not only are they unconstitutional, but there is also little evidence that these laws actually work to prevent violence.
The assault on constitutional rights continues. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini’s SB 80 seeks to make it a state felony for anyone under 21 to purchase a so-called "assault weapon." The definition is chillingly broad, sweeping in common centerfire rifles with a pistol grip or even a folding stock. Meanwhile, State Rep. Suleman Lalani’s HB 606 goes even further, banning anyone under 21 from buying any firearm whatsoever. Apparently, one is old enough to enlist and fight for this country, but not old enough to buy a deer rifle in Texas. That part should not be complicated.
Then there’s Rep. Joe Moody’s HB 659, a thinly veiled attempt at a gun registry. It would mandate that dealers report any individual purchasing two or more firearms, or four or more magazines, within a short timeframe. These reports would then be funneled directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the buyer’s local sheriff. Because, of course, they did.
Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, articulated the outrage perfectly. "Democrats campaigned on affordability. On day one, they filed gun confiscation instead: red flag orders without a hearing, universal background checks, gun bans for adults under 21, and a registry," he told The Texan. He added, "Twenty-three anti-gun bills hit the docket on day one, and Texas Gun Rights will fight every one of them. No confiscation, no registration, no compromise."
Regarding HB 659, McNutt was crystal clear: "Call it whatever you want. It’s a gun registry, and registration is the first step to confiscation." And there it is.
Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa, who will preside over this legislative assault, has maintained a strategic silence on the specific proposed gun bills. However, her past record speaks volumes. In an October interview with The New Yorker, Hinojosa openly admitted her opposition to constitutional carry, stating plainly that "people should have a background check to carry a gun." This signals a clear alignment with the anti-Second Amendment forces now unleashed in the state.
Fortunately, a critical firewall against this progressive overreach still stands. Republicans firmly control the Texas Senate, and they have unequivocally stated their commitment to defending Second Amendment protections. "Texas stands as long as the Texas Senate Republican caucus holds the line," state Sen. Charles Schwertner declared on election night. "We will."
The legislative session commences on January 12. Texas gun owners and all patriots who value freedom had better hope the line holds, because the battle for constitutional rights in the Lone Star State has just begun. The America First movement will be watching.
