SRC-JBJ H.B. 592 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 592
76R3717 KEL-DBy: Goolsby (Armbrister)
Criminal Justice
4/26/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) certifies the licensing of
handgun instructors.  An instructor's certification may be denied,
suspended, or revoked by DPS.  However, the law does not specify a
methodology by which DPS may perform a background check on instructors to
determine whether or not a reason exists to take action against a certified
handgun instructor.  H.B. 592 would require DPS to conduct a background
check of all applicants for certification as a qualified handgun instructor
in the same manner as conducted of an applicant for a license to carry a
concealed handgun. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 592 requires DPS to conduct a background check of a
person who applies for certifications as a qualified handgun instructor. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 411.190(c), Government Code, to require the
Department of Public Safety (DPS) to conduct a background check of an
applicant for certification as a qualified handgun instructor in a manner
applicable to the applicant for a license to carry a concealed handgun.
Prohibits DPS from issuing a certificate if the background check indicates
that the applicant would not qualify to receive a handgun license.
Requires DPS to provide handgun instructor training to a qualified
applicant.  Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that the text of Section 411.190(c), Government Code,
gives effect to changes made by Section 12, Chapter 1261, Acts of the 75th
Legislature, relating to nonsubstantive additions and corrections, in
accordance with Section 311.031(c), Government Code.  Provides that this
Act prevails over another Act of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session,
relating to nonsubstantive additions and corrections in enacted codes. 

SECTION 3.Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 5.Emergency clause.