Texas Government Code section 229.001 preempts city firearm rules, and section 236.002 imposes an even stricter ban on counties. Dallas County Commissioners cannot regulate ownership, sale, transport, or carry. The Dallas County Sheriff issues License to Carry fingerprints and enforces only state firearm law.
Texas Government Code chapter 236, added in 2021, mirrors the city preemption statute and bars counties from regulating the transfer, possession, ownership, transport, licensing, registration, or discharge of firearms beyond what state law permits. Dallas County Commissioners Court has no authority to require permits, registries, taxes, or local background checks. The Texas Attorney General can sue noncompliant counties under chapter 2160. Dallas County Sheriff Department offers License to Carry fingerprint services and enforces state law in unincorporated areas and on county property. Counties may restrict discharge in unincorporated zones under Local Government Code 235.022 only in specific subdivision contexts. Dallas County has no countywide firearm ordinance.
Unlawful discharge in unincorporated platted subdivisions under Local Government Code 235.022 is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to five hundred dollars; state Penal Code violations carry higher Class A misdemeanor or felony penalties.
See how DeSoto's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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