Texas Lawmakers End Taxpayer-Funded Gun "Buyback" Programs

Lone Star State Legislators Block Local Gun Collection Initiatives

In a decisive move reflecting Texas' strong pro-Second Amendment stance, the Texas House of Representatives approved legislation on May 13 that prevents counties and municipalities from allocating taxpayer funds to gun "buyback" programs. The measure passed with a compelling 85-56 vote after substantial debate on the House floor.

House Bill 3053, introduced by first-term Representative Wesley Virdell (R-Brady), marks a significant policy shift regarding local government authority over firearms initiatives. The bill specifically targets programs where local governments use public funds to purchase firearms from citizens, a practice commonly referred to as gun "buybacks."

Freshman Legislator Leads Charge Against Ineffective Programs

Representative Virdell, bringing his experience as the former Texas State Director for Gun Owners of America, defended his bill with data-driven arguments during the legislative session. He characterized these buyback programs as fiscally irresponsible, noting that counties and municipalities often expend "shocking" amounts of taxpayer money without producing measurable public safety benefits.

"Based on the studies and some of the people who've actually participated in these gun 'buybacks'... huge costs of money from the taxpayers, and it doesn't actually have any statistical evidence that it reduces crime or suicides," Virdell explained during floor debate. He added that "in some cases, crime actually increased in those areas afterwards."

Law Enforcement Officials Question Buyback Effectiveness

Virdell strengthened his position by citing law enforcement professionals who have questioned the value of these programs:

"Chief McManus of San Antonio... said he is not keen on gun 'buybacks'... he's done a number of gun 'buyback' programs in other cities and they didn't work," Virdell noted. "He also is quoted as saying that the number of guns recovered in no way reduced violent crime."

Additional testimony from the San Antonio Police Department revealed that weapons collected during buyback events typically weren't the kinds used in street crimes, with Deputy Chief Jesse Salame confirming that none of the surrendered weapons had ever been used in criminal activity.

Democrats Challenge State Preemption of Local Authority

The legislative debate highlighted fundamental philosophical differences between the parties regarding both firearms policy and local government autonomy.

Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston) framed the bill as an infringement on local control, questioning whether it would prevent "local governments from taking actions that they feel is necessary to protect their city."

In a revealing exchange, Representative Trey Martinez-Fisscher (D-San Antonio) attempted to provide what he called an "accurate representation" of San Antonio Police Chief McManus's position. Martinez-Fisscher acknowledged that the chief viewed the buybacks as programs that "don't make any sense to cut crime," but maintained they still serve to "take guns out of circulation."

Cost-Benefit Analysis Shows Poor Return on Investment

Virdell presented compelling financial data on previous buyback programs across the country:

Baltimore's Failed Experiment

Baltimore, Maryland conducted a buyback that "when adjusted for inflation, they spent the equivalent of today's money of $4.3 million," according to Virdell. The concerning outcome: "homicides and firearm-related assaults rose by over 50 percent following the Baltimore 'buyback.'"

Texas Taxpayer Burden

Houston's recent buybacks cost Harris County taxpayers approximately $1.1 million in 2022 alone, according to statements from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis cited by Representative Virdell.

Bill Gains Momentum Through Legislative Process

After weathering strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers, HB 3053 passed its second reading with an even stronger margin of 90-49, demonstrating growing support for the measure.

For Virdell, the success of this firearms-related legislation as his first bill to clear the House holds special significance. "I'm glad it was a gun bill," he remarked, noting that the subject is "right up my alley, which I've been doing for over a decade—fighting for gun bills."

The legislation now advances further in the Texas legislative process, reinforcing the state's reputation for strong Second Amendment protections and fiscal restraint regarding ineffective government programs.