Texas Senate Passes Bill Banning Local Gun Buyback Programs

The Texas Legislature is advancing House Bill 3053, which would prohibit cities and counties from organizing or funding voluntary gun buyback programs, a move supporters say protects Second Amendment rights and saves taxpayer money by ending ineffective initiatives. The bill, supported by Republicans including Rep. Wesley Virdell and Sen. Bob Hall, argues that buyback programs do not reduce crime or suicides, citing studies from the National Bureau of Economic Research and others. Opponents, primarily Democrats and some local officials, view the bill as state overreach that strips communities of tools to address local safety concerns and prevent accidents by allowing residents to dispose of unwanted firearms voluntarily. The bill also restricts local governments from partnering with nonprofits or law enforcement on such programs and is part of broader Republican efforts to limit local gun regulation. The legislation has sparked heated debate, with Democrats emphasizing the importance of local decision-making and Republicans emphasizing constitutional rights and fiscal responsibility. The bill awaits final Senate approval and is expected to be sent to Governor Greg Abbott, who has a history of signing pro-gun legislation.