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Federal appeals court rules that New Jersey's assault weapons ban is unconstitutional
By AP at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC)
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
This is the first time a federal appeals court has struck down a state ban on such weapons, and it comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment.
Key takeaway Supreme Court is set to consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
The federal appeals court's ruling on New Jersey's assault weapons ban has significant implications for Texas, where gun laws are often less restrictive. As the decision sets a precedent for other states, it may influence the ongoing debate about gun control in the Houston area, including Bellaire . Local residents who own or are considering purchasing semiautomatic rifles will be watching the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming decision closely, as it could potentially impact their ability to possess these firearms. The ruling may also spark renewed discussions among Bellaire city officials and community leaders about the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights. With Texas having its own set of gun laws, the court's decision could lead to calls for revisiting or revising these laws, potentially affecting the community's approach to gun ownership and regulation.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? This is the first time a federal appeals court has struck down a state ban on such weapons, and it comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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