JWW C.S.H.B. 2855 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS PUBLIC SAFETY C.S.H.B. 2855 By: Hupp 5-8-97 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND As one of the 31 states which allow citizens to carry concealed weapons, Texas is considered to have in place the most restrictive license requirements. The twenty-one year old minimum age requirement is a good example. Several states allow persons 18 or older to apply for a concealed handgun. Since the concealed handgun law took effect, Texas has not experienced the rash of violence that opponents of the law claimed would result from its passage. Allowing the legal carrying of handguns has not led to lawlessness or reckless behavior. As a result of the extensive application process, most permit holders are safe and responsible. PURPOSE This bill will lower the minimum age requirement from 21 to 18 years of age, and will allow concealed handguns to be carried on the campus of public educational institutes of higher education. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 46.03(f), Penal Code, to state that it is a defense from prosecution under Subsection (a)(1) if the person was licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Article,4413(29ee), Revised Statutes, and the school is a public institution of higher education. SECTION 2. Section 2(a), Article 4413(29ee), Revised Statutes, is amended as follows: (2) Changes the minimum age of eligibility to qualify for a concealed handgun license from 21 to 18 years of age. (9) The person seeking a concealed handgun permit must be fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to possess a handgun. SECTION 3. Changes made to the law by this Act apply only to offenses committed after the effective date. SECTION 4. Effective Date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 5. Emergency Clause. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE SECTION 2 Section 2(a)(9), Article 4413 (29ee), Revised Statutes, is amended to replace "purchase" with "possess."