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Legal Information: Texas

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
July 28, 2023

The abuser uses a gun for his/her job. Does the law still apply?

If the abuser is a peace (police) officer who is full-time and actively employed, then s/he will be able to continue to possess a firearm while there is a protective order against him/her.1

However, there are federal gun laws that make it illegal for anyone convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor to buy or have a gun, even if s/he is a police officer or a military employee. Also, under federal law, although a peace officer may possess firearms for work while a protective order is in place, he cannot use/possess any firearms for personal use.2 To read more, go to Federal Gun Laws.

If you are confused or not sure whether your abuser can still use his/her gun for work purposes, you can talk to a family violence advocate in your area or call the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit to find out more information: 1-800-903-0111, ext. 2. To find a family violence advocate in your area, please go to our TX Advocates and Shelters page.

1 Tex. Penal Code § 46.04(c)
2 18 USC § 925(a)(1)

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