Monitoring the Session

HB 3053

bill banning city and county firearm buyback programs

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025

Verdict: No flags

No flagsInitial review
Rep. Wes VirdellRHouse 53

Initial review · graded Oct 20, 2026 · Headline, summary and grade are analysis of the bill text, not a finding about any person · How we grade

Caption

relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs.

Caption from analyzed text · version I.

Summary

Cities and counties can’t run, sponsor or join gun buybacks.

This bill bars Texas cities and counties from running, sponsoring, or joining firearm buyback programs. It covers any city or county measure that buys or offers to buy guns to take them out of circulation, cut civilian gun ownership, or let people sell guns without fear of prosecution. Once it takes effect, local governments can no longer use these buyback programs.

Receipt

The receipt

89R-HB3053 · 2025-02-19

SOLD BY

Rep. Wes VirdellRHouse 53 Rep. Briscoe CainRHouse 128 Rep. Hillary HicklandRHouse 55

+ 2 more authors, 23 coauthors

ITEM

relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs.

WHAT IT DOES

Cities and counties can’t run, sponsor or join gun buybacks.

This bill bars Texas cities and counties from running, sponsoring, or joining firearm buyback programs. It covers any city or county measure that buys or offers to buy guns to take them out of circulation, cut civilian gun ownership, or let people sell guns without fear of prosecution. Once it takes effect, local governments can no longer use these buyback programs.

CHARGES

[ ] NONE FOUND

TOTAL

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

LBB estimate · fiscal note version E · source

Sources

Fiscal note · version E · May 21, 2025

No first-year general revenue figure available here.

LBB published estimates · flow over the stated periods.

Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

HISTORY

  1. Filed
  2. Read first time
  3. Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
  4. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
  5. Considered in public hearing
  6. Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
  7. Left pending in committee
  8. Considered in public hearing
  9. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
  10. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator
  11. Committee report distributed
  12. Committee report sent to Calendars
  13. Considered in Calendars
  14. Placed on General State Calendar
  15. Read 2nd time
  16. Passed to engrossment
  17. Record vote RV#2195
  18. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
  19. Read 3rd time
  20. Passed
  21. Record vote RV#2266
  22. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
  23. Reported engrossed
  24. Received from the House
  25. Read first time
  26. Referred to State Affairs
  27. Posting rule suspended
  28. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
  29. Considered in public hearing
  30. Vote taken in committee
  31. Reported favorably w/o amendments
  32. Committee report printed and distributed
  33. Co-sponsor authorized
  34. Placed on intent calendar
  35. Rules suspended-Regular order of business
  36. Record vote
  37. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
  38. Record vote
  39. Co-sponsor authorized
  40. Rules suspended-Regular order of business
  41. Record vote
  42. Read 3rd time
  43. Passed
  44. Record vote
  45. Senate passage reported
  46. Reported enrolled
  47. Signed in the House
  48. Signed in the Senate
  49. Sent to the Governor
  50. Signed by the Governor
  51. Effective on 9/1/25
FILED UNDER

No verified beat found.

SIGNED FOR BY

House · 85 yea · 56 nay

Senate · 20 yea · 11 nay

Sources

House: Final passage · May 13, 2025. Journal. Published stock for this vote. Snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate: Final passage · May 28, 2025. Journal. Published stock for this vote. Snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

All floor motions and other positions below.

No flags

THANK YOU FOR CHECKING THE RECEIPT

CAMPAIGN PAID FOR BY

CAMPAIGN PAID FOR BY

Wes Virdell

Donors

Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC$25KPhysicians for Free Market Healthcare PAC$25KTexas Trial Lawyers Association PAC$23K

Not tied to this bill.

Sources

The author's campaign account only. Own money and internal transfers are separate on the member page.

Derived itemized flow · Nov 3, 2024 to Oct 21, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC$25,000.00

Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC

$25,000.00

Cash
$25,000.00
Paid by others
$0.00
Total
$25,000.00

Also funds 44 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jun 24, 2025 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team
Sources

Derived itemized flow · on Jun 24, 2025. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101012375.

Physicians for Free Market Healthcare PAC$25,000.00

Physicians for Free Market Healthcare PAC

$25,000.00

Cash
$25,000.00
Paid by others
$0.00
Total
$25,000.00

Also funds 33 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jun 30, 2025 to Oct 22, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team
Sources

Derived itemized flow · on Oct 22, 2025. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101031736.

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC$22,500.00

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC

$22,500.00

Cash
$22,500.00
Paid by others
$0.00
Total
$22,500.00

Also funds 137 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jul 24, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team
Sources

Derived itemized flow · Nov 25, 2024 to Jul 13, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 100987242, 101012375, 101060151, 101072158.

Money

Missing data does not establish zero giving. Display amounts are rounded.

×

Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC

$25,000.00

Cash
$25,000.00
Paid by others
$0.00
Total
$25,000.00

Also funds 44 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jun 24, 2025 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team
Sources

Derived itemized flow · on Jun 24, 2025. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101012375.

×

Physicians for Free Market Healthcare PAC

$25,000.00

Cash
$25,000.00
Paid by others
$0.00
Total
$25,000.00

Also funds 33 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jun 30, 2025 to Oct 22, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team
Sources

Derived itemized flow · on Oct 22, 2025. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 101031736.

×

Texas Trial Lawyers Association PAC

$22,500.00

Cash
$22,500.00
Paid by others
$0.00
Total
$22,500.00

Also funds 137 other sitting lawmakers.

Derived recipient stock · Jul 24, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

TEC account match.

Team
Sources

Derived itemized flow · Nov 25, 2024 to Jul 13, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.

Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.

Report IDs: 100987242, 101012375, 101060151, 101072158.

Votes7

Senate May 28, 2025

Yea
20
Nay
11
Present, not voting
Not printed
Absent
0
Excused
0
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

Senate journal

Sources

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 20 (published)
  • Nay: 11 (published)
  • Present, not voting: Not printed
  • Absent: 0 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 0 (derived from named list)

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate May 28, 2025

Yea
20
Nay
11
Present, not voting
Not printed
Absent
0
Excused
0
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

Senate journal

Sources

Senator Hall moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3053 at this time on its third reading and final passage: HB 3053, Relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs. The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 20 (published)
  • Nay: 11 (published)
  • Present, not voting: Not printed
  • Absent: 0 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 0 (derived from named list)

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate May 26, 2025

Yea
20
Nay
11
Present, not voting
Not printed
Absent
0
Excused
0
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

Senate journal

Sources

The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 20 (published)
  • Nay: 11 (published)
  • Present, not voting: Not printed
  • Absent: 0 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 0 (derived from named list)

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Senate May 26, 2025

Yea
20
Nay
11
Present, not voting
Not printed
Absent
0
Excused
0
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

Senate journal

Sources

Senator Hall moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3053 at this time on its second reading: HB 3053, Relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs. The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 20 (published)
  • Nay: 11 (published)
  • Present, not voting: Not printed
  • Absent: 0 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 0 (derived from named list)

Senate journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

House May 13, 2025

Yea
85
Nay
56
Present, not voting
2
Absent
3
Excused
4
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

House journal

Sources

Record 2266

HB 3053 was passed by (Record 2266): 85 Yeas, 56 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 85 (published)
  • Nay: 56 (published)
  • Present, not voting: 2 (published)
  • Absent: 3 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 4 (derived from named list)

House journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

House May 12, 2025

Yea
90
Nay
49
Present, not voting
2
Absent
5
Excused
4
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

House journal

Sources

Record 2195

HB 3053 was passed to engrossment by (Record 2195): 90 Yeas, 49 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 90 (published)
  • Nay: 49 (published)
  • Present, not voting: 2 (published)
  • Absent: 5 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 4 (derived from named list)

House journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

House May 12, 2025

Yea
81
Nay
56
Present, not voting
3
Absent
6
Excused
4
Names

Named positions matched to lawmakers. See the journal for unmatched names.

House journal

Sources

Record 2194

The request was granted by (Record 2194): 81 Yeas, 56 Nays, 3 Present, not voting.

Published stock of positions for this vote, except where marked derived.

  • Yea: 81 (published)
  • Nay: 56 (published)
  • Present, not voting: 3 (published)
  • Absent: 6 (derived from named list)
  • Excused: 4 (derived from named list)

House journal. Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

Witnesses62
For
14
Against
48
On
0
Names

For

  • Harris County Deputies' Organization FOP #391 registration
  • National Rifle Association1 registration
  • Self6 registrations
  • Self; Executive Director, Texas State Rifle Association1 registration
  • Self; Gun Owners of America3 registrations
  • Self; Gun Owners of America - Texas1 registration
  • Self; Texas Gun Rights1 registration

Against

  • El Paso County1 registration
  • Everytown for gun safety1 registration
  • Harris County Commissioners Court1 registration
  • Self32 registrations
  • Self; GIFFORDS2 registrations
  • Self; GIFFORDS Texas Courage Fellow, Texas Gun Sense Young Rising Leaders (San Antonio Ambassador)1 registration
  • Self; Mom Demand Action1 registration
  • Self; Moms Demand Action3 registrations
  • Self; Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America1 registration
  • Self; Texas Gun Sense1 registration
  • Self; Texas Gun Sense Young Rising Leaders (El Paso Ambassador)1 registration
  • Self; TX Chapter of Moms Demand Action1 registration
  • Texas Gun Sense1 registration
  • Texas Impact1 registration
Sources

62 parsed registrations across the loaded witness lists.

Derived stock of witness registrations. Repeated appearances count separately. Organizations and self-representation appear as printed.

House witness list. Source snapshot 2026-10-20, Central time.

Senate witness list. Source snapshot 2026-10-20, Central time.

Fiscal

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

LBB estimate · fiscal note version E · source

Sources

Fiscal note · version E · May 21, 2025

No first-year general revenue figure available here.

LBB published estimates · flow over the stated periods.

Source snapshot 2026-10-19, Central time.

How this was graded

Analysis of text version I by claude-opus-5-5, Oct 20, 2026, against the published rubric.

Sources

Texas House · Filed Feb 19, 2025

06/20/2025 E Effective on 9/1/25

Texas Legislature Online · Introduced · House Committee Report · Engrossed · Senate Committee Report · Enrolled

Data snapshot Oct 26, 2026 at 4:20 AM CDT. Grades, charges, quotes and corrections follow the published record.

Coauthors
Benjamin BumgarnerRHouse 63 Mark DorazioRHouse 122 Stan GerdesRHouse 17 Richard HayesRHouse 57 Andy HopperRHouse 64 Lacey HullRHouse 138 Helen KerwinRHouse 58 Terri Leo WilsonRHouse 23 Mitch LittleRHouse 65 David LoweRHouse 91 Shelley LutherRHouse 62 Don McLaughlinRHouse 80 Will MetcalfRHouse 16 Brent MoneyRHouse 2 Matt MorganRHouse 26 Tom OliversonRHouse 130 Katrina PiersonRHouse 33 Keresa RichardsonRHouse 61 Nate SchatzlineRHouse 93 Joanne ShofnerRHouse 11 David SpillerRHouse 68 Tony TinderholtRHouse 94 Steve TothRHouse 15
Sponsors
Bob HallRSenate 2
Cosponsors
Brandon CreightonRSenate 4 Adam HinojosaRSenate 27 Lois KolkhorstRSenate 18

House committee · Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs · Committee vote 9 aye, 1 nay, 1 absent · Out of committee

Senate committee · State Affairs · Committee vote 9 aye, 1 nay, 1 absent · Out of committee

Subjects

City Government--General

County Government--General

Weapons

Text

The text as introduced · 171 words

89R12612 DNC-F

By: Virdell
H.B. No. 3053

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 280, Local Government Code, is amended

by adding Section 280.005 to read as follows:

Sec. 280.005. FIREARM BUYBACK PROGRAMS PROHIBITED. A

municipality or county may not adopt or enforce an ordinance,

order, or other measure in which the municipality or county

organizes, sponsors, or participates in a program that purchases or

offers to purchase firearms with the intent to:

(1) remove firearms from circulation;

(2) reduce the number of firearms owned by civilians;

or

(3) allow individuals to sell firearms without fear of

criminal prosecution.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.