LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 15, 2003

TO:
Honorable Chris Harris, Chair, Senate Committee on Administration
 
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB3477 by Stick (Relating to the issuance of concealed handgun licenses to residents of certain other states and to reciprocity agreements with other states concerning concealed handgun licenses.), As Engrossed



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3477, As Engrossed: a negative impact of ($133,830) through the biennium ending August 31, 2005.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2004 ($66,915)
2005 ($66,915)
2006 ($66,915)
2007 ($66,915)
2008 ($66,915)




Fiscal Year Probable Savings/(Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1 		Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2003
2004 ($66,915) 1.5
2005 ($66,915) 1.5
2006 ($66,915) 1.5
2007 ($66,915) 1.5
2008 ($66,915) 1.5

Fiscal Analysis

The bill amends Section 411.173, Government Code to provide a procedure for residents of other states to retain their license to carry a concealed handgun and renew their license. Under the bill, the governor shall issue a proclamation that a license issued by another state is recognized in this state, if the Attorney General of the State of Texas (OAG) determines that a background check of each applicant for a license of that state has been conducted before the license was issued (the background check determines eligibility of the applicant to possess a firearm under federal law).

The bill also provides that the OAG shall prepare a report each year listing the states that the OAG has determined are qualified and that their concealed handgun licenses are recognized by Texas. The report should also reflect states that do not meet the qualifications and list changes necessary to have their statutes qualify. The first report shall be filed by the OAG by January 1, 2005. This act takes effect September 1, 2003.


Methodology

The bill will require the governor to recognize, by proclamation, a license issued by another state, if the OAG has determined a background check of each applicant for a license of the other state has been conducted. The OAG must also comply with additional reporting requirements under the bill.

The OAG will require 1 ½ Legal Assistant III positions in order to implement the provisions of the bill. The cost for each fiscal year is $66,915.


Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
405 Department of Public Safety, 302 Office of the Attorney General
LBB Staff:
JK, WP, SD, WK, VDS, AR