Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.
Section 229.001 of the Texas Local Government Code prohibits municipalities from regulating firearms, air guns, knives, ammunition, components, or firearms supplies. Limited carve-outs allow cities to regulate the discharge of firearms within city limits (subject to state law), restrict carry at certain public meetings, and impose reasonable limits at municipal facilities. The statute was strengthened multiple times to remove indirect regulation through zoning, taxation, or business licensing, and HB 1500 (2021) removed cities' remaining power to restrict firearms during declared disasters. The attorney general may sue to enjoin a violating ordinance and recover costs, attorney's fees, and investigative expenses. Counties face parallel restrictions under Section 236.002.
Prohibited local firearm ordinances are void and unenforceable. The attorney general may seek a temporary or permanent injunction and recover court costs, attorney's fees, and investigative expenses; affected residents can also challenge ordinances in court.
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