Texas Democratic lawmakers filed approximately 20 bills proposing new firearm restrictions on Monday, November 9, the first day of prefiling for the 2027 legislative session. The measures cover a range of issues, including so-called red flag orders, private gun sales, semiautomatic firearms, firearm purchases by adults under 21 and reporting requirements for multiple gun purchases.

One of the most closely watched proposals is House Bill 218, introduced by state Rep. Ann Johnson, a Houston Democrat. The legislation would repeal a 2025 state law restricting red flag orders and establish a process for courts to issue extreme risk protective orders. Under the proposal, certain family members, household members or law enforcement officers could petition a court to temporarily require someone to surrender firearms.

Another measure, House Bill 613, filed by state Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land, would require background checks through federally licensed firearms dealers for private firearm transfers. Lalani also introduced legislation that would restrict firearm purchases, transfers or possession by people younger than 21.

Other proposals include Senate Bill 80, introduced by Democratic state Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, which would restrict the purchase, transfer and possession of certain semiautomatic firearms. House Bill 659, filed by state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, would require licensed firearms dealers to report certain purchases involving multiple guns or firearm magazines to law enforcement.

Additional bills would increase penalties for certain firearm-related offenses, impose storage requirements and expand restrictions on carrying weapons in some public locations. The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action reported that approximately 35 firearm-related bills were filed on the first day, with most involving proposed restrictions. The total includes measures beyond the roughly 20 proposals characterized as gun restrictions.

The filings came less than a week after Democrats won the Texas governor's race and secured a majority in the state House for the next legislative session. Republicans, however, retained control of the Texas Senate, creating a significant legislative hurdle for the proposals.

The 90th Texas Legislature is scheduled to convene on January 12, 2027. None of the newly filed measures has become law, and each would need to advance through the legislative process before taking effect.