Texas State Rifle Association Backs Bills Protecting Gun Privacy

The Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) has announced its support for Senate Bill 1524 and House Bill 1403, which protect the privacy of foster families who lawfully own firearms.

SB 1524, which is currently advancing through the Texas Legislature, would prohibit state agencies and child placement organizations from requiring foster parents to disclose specific details about the firearms in their homes. The bill was authored by state Senator Mayes Middleton (R), the sole candidate in the upcoming Texas Attorney General race.

While TSRA does not oppose foster parents being asked whether they own firearms, the organization firmly objects to any requirement that they submit an itemized list, including the make, model, and serial number of legally owned guns.

The legislation emerged in part after a prospective foster family contacted TSRA prior to the legislative session. They were concerned that detailed firearm disclosure requirements would bar them from providing foster care.

TSRA believes that eliminating these mandates could help reduce barriers for qualified families and allow more Texans to consider fostering.

Importantly, safety regulations remain in place to ensure that firearms are securely stored in foster homes.

HB 1403, a nearly identical companion bill authored by state Rep. Cody Harris (R), was recently approved by the House Committee on Human Services.

State Rep. Harris, a foster parent and staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, has championed this issue for two consecutive sessions. While presenting the bill, he shared that two families in his district abandoned the foster licensing process due to the requirement to submit a full registry of their firearms to a state vendor.

In an article announcing support for the bills, TSRA called the bills a step toward balancing public safety with the rights of gun owners. The organization vows to advocate for policies that uphold the Second Amendment without imposing unnecessary burdens on responsible families eager to foster children in need.