Relating to the definition of firearm for purposes of certain criminal offenses.

SB 1456 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.01 to clarify the legal definition of "firearm" for criminal offenses. It specifically excludes two categories: (1) pre-1899 antique firearms or replicas that don’t use rim/center fire ammunition, and (2) less-lethal projectile devices like pepper ball guns designed to temporarily incapacitate targets without serious injury. This definition change affects criminal prosecutions involving these excluded items, ensuring they are not prosecuted as firearm offenses. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date.