What Is HB 956? Strengthening Enforcement with Better Reporting

HB 956, introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature on March 6, 2025, proposes stronger reporting requirements for protective orders and family violence convictions to improve enforcement of gun restrictions and overall public safety  .

Key Provisions of HB 956

1. Faster Reporting of Protective Orders

• When a court issues an original or modified protective order, law enforcement must enter the mandated information into the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) statewide law enforcement information systemwithin three calendar days of receipt from the court clerk  .
• This extremely prompt reporting ensures that the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)reflects the protective order quickly, reducing the chance that individuals under such orders may unlawfully obtain firearms  .
  

2. Expedited Reporting of Family Violence Misdemeanor Convictions

• For a family violence-related conviction that legally prohibits firearm possession, the law mandates reporting to the DPS within five calendar days after the conviction finalizes  .
• Additionally, the bill specifies that DPS must transmit these records—including both protective orders and family violence misdemeanor convictions—to the FBI within three calendar days for inclusion in NICS  .
  

3. Alignment with Federal Standards

• The bill defines:
  • “Family violence misdemeanor” in line with 18 U.S.C. § 921.
  • “Protective order” as described under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8)  .
• These federal definitions help ensure consistency between state and national enforcement systems and avoid confusion or loopholes.
  

When It Takes Effect

HB 956 is scheduled to become effective September 1, 2025—but only for protective orders and convictions entered or reported on or after that date  .

Why Does This Matter?

Enhancing Public Safety

By mandating rapid reporting, HB 956 ensures that individuals under protective orders or convicted of family violence misdemeanors are quickly flagged in background check systems—helping to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from acquiring firearms  .

Addressing Systemic Delays

Under current law, reporting to DPS and then the FBI can lag behind the criminal process. HB 956’s tighter deadlines—especially as short as three days—can help close the enforcement gap.‍

Supporting Domestic Violence Protections

Enhanced alignment between state and federal systems strengthens enforcement of protective orders, giving victims more assurance that judicial safety measures are being implemented effectively.

Legal and Practical Implications

For Law Enforcement

• These shortened timelines may require process updates, staff training, and resource adjustments—but they crucially improve the speed at which protective measures enter background check systems.
  

For Victims of Family Violence

• The bill supports stronger post-order protections, ensuring their safety is promptly recognized in firearms background checks.
  

For Defendants or Respondents

• Protective orders and convictions will have much quicker effects on firearm eligibility, reinforcing the urgency of legal compliance and post-judgment oversight.

In Summary

HB 956 modernizes reporting practices in Texas, ensuring that protective orders and family violence convictions are communicated swiftly to DPS—and then to the FBI’s NICS—within days of court action. These changes strengthen the bridge between state protection orders and federal firearm controls, reinforcing public safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals.