By Allen H.B. No. 507 77R3107 GWK-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to the issuance by the Texas Department of Public Safety 1-3 of special permits authorizing concealed handgun license holders 1-4 and other individuals to carry weapons in certain restricted areas. 1-5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-6 SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, is 1-7 amended by adding Section 411.209 to read as follows: 1-8 Sec. 411.209. SPECIAL FIREARMS PERMIT. (a) The department 1-9 by rule may adopt a permit process that authorizes a license holder 1-10 or other individual to carry a concealed handgun or any other 1-11 firearm. In establishing the permit process, the department shall 1-12 determine the form of any required applications, qualifications 1-13 required of applicants, and the imposition of costs on applicants 1-14 for permits. 1-15 (b) The possession of a permit issued by the department 1-16 under this section provides the permit holder with an exception to 1-17 the application of laws prohibiting the carrying of firearms in the 1-18 same manner as is provided to peace officers by the laws of this 1-19 state. 1-20 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.