H.B. 2619 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2619
By: Ellis
Law Enforcement
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

When the concealed handgun licensing laws were enacted, it was the intent
of the legislature that the $140 application fee established for licenses
would pay for the actual costs of the program, not produce additional
revenue.  However, this fee has actually generated an excess of
approximately $800,000 since the inception of the program.  House Bill
2619 addresses this issue and relieves some of the financial burden on the
license applicant by reducing the application fee. 


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. 


ANALYSIS
  
House Bill 2619 amends Section 411.174(a) of the Government Code,
requiring an applicant for a concealed handgun license to submit a
non-refundable application and license fee, by striking "$140" and
replacing it with "$110." 


EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.