Texas Firearms Local Preemption Statute

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 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. HB 1500 (2021) further expanded preemption. Violations can trigger Attorney General enforcement and civil penalties. Counties have parallel restrictions under Section 236.002 limiting their firearms regulatory authority.

Cities adopting prohibited firearm ordinances face civil penalties up to $1,500 first offense and $7,500 subsequent, plus Attorney General enforcement and injunctive relief.