HB 498 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 498
By: Isett
Law Enforcement
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, senior citizens 60 years of age or older receive a 50%
discount on the issuance of a concealed handgun license.  However, the
word "renewal" was left out of the language which provided the concealed
handgun license discount for seniors.  Therefore, seniors are required to
pay the full cost for renewing their licenses.  House Bill 498 provides a
50% discount on the fees that seniors pay to renew a licence to carry a
concealed handgun. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department,
institution, or agency.  

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.   House Bill 498 amends Section 411.195 of the Government Code
by providing seniors 60 years of age or older a 50% discount on renewal
fees for their licence to carry a concealed handgun. 

SECTION 2.   House Bill 498 applies only to renewals on or after September
1, 2003.  The former law is continued in effect for renewals that occur
before September 1, 2003.     

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.