Senate approves House Bill 3053 restricting municipal and county firearm buyback programs after debate on local control

The Senate on May 20 approved House Bill 3053, relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs, after floor debate in which opponents argued buybacks reduce unwanted firearms and support local control. The measure was recorded on final passage as 20 ayes and 11 nays, according to the chamber roll call announced on the floor.

Senator Menendez urged opposition to the bill, saying that while buyback programs “alone won't change the reality” of firearm deaths, they have proven successful in some cities and provide opportunities to educate the public about safe storage. He cited San Antonio's first gun buyback—held in 2023—saying it “saw an estimated 900 weapons exchanged for gift cards.”

“Some folks have old guns they've inherited that they have no use for and may just need to put food on their table,” Senator Menendez said, describing how programs in El Paso paid gift‑card amounts he listed: “$50 in a gift card for a broken gun, dollars 100 for a handgun, dollars 150 for a long rifle or shotgun, and $200 for an assault rifle.”

Senator Cook also spoke against restrictions on local programs, saying, “No gun buybacks, no extreme risk protection orders, no local raise the age, no safe storage laws. Localities are just trying to save some lives.” Supporters moved final passage on the floor and the vote was recorded as announced.

The debate on the Senate floor included points about local control, the role of buybacks in broader strategies to reduce gun violence, and examples from cities that held buyback events. The bill advanced on final passage as printed on the chamber roll call.