Featured

Texas Bill Restores Gun Rights to Non-Violent Felons

Texas State Rep. Wes Virdell (R) has introduced a bill that would restore Second Amendment rights to non-violent felons. State Rep. Virdell argues that individuals convicted of minor offenses should not face lifelong restrictions on gun ownership.

The Texas lawmaker announced the legislation - HB 2759 - on social media, explaining his reasoning behind the proposal.

“In the past, the term ‘felon’ was reserved for the most heinous crimes and was punishable by death," he wrote on X. "Today, the term felony is used for even minor crimes." “While I don’t want to see violent offenders have the right to self-defense restored, I do believe people with minor crimes should not be punished for the rest of their life from participating in their inalienable rights," he added.

Under federal law, individuals convicted of a felony are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. However, state Rep. Virdell’s bill would seek to allow non-violent felons, particularly those who never served jail time, to regain their gun rights. In his reasoning, he emphasized that many citizens are convicted of felonies that do not involve violence or significant harm, yet they face lifelong consequences, including restrictions on firearm ownership.

“There was a time in our history where people’s rights were restored after serving their time, and I think we need to have a real discussion about it,” he expressed. “If someone is bad enough to not have their rights restored, they should still be in prison.”

His proposal comes amid broader national debates over criminal justice reform and Second Amendment rights.

Virdell also suggested that Texas should reconsider its penal code and re-evaluate what constitutes a serious or “heinous” crime. “I think we are at a time when we need to revisit what actually constitutes heinous crimes and update our penal code to reflect that,” he suggested.

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Texas Lawmakers Hear Local Testimony After Devastating July 4 Floods

In the wake of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history, state lawmakers…

1 day ago

LONESTAR — 8.1.2025 — Texas Senate Passes Bill Banning THC — Texas Mobilizes Emergency Response for Texas Panhandle — and More...

This week, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), a controversial bill that…

1 day ago

Texas Senate Passes SB 5 Banning THC

This week, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), a controversial bill that…

2 days ago

Texas Mobilizes Emergency Response Ahead of Panhandle Flood Threat

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has ordered the activation of emergency response resources as heavy rainfall…

2 days ago

LONESTAR — 7.31.2025 — Abbott Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance — New Texas Map Adds Five GOP Seats — and More...

This week, Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now…

2 days ago

Texas Leads U.S. in Veterans Using VA Education Benefits

Texas students are preparing to head back to school, and tens of thousands of veterans…

2 days ago