BILL ANALYSIS
By: Rose
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under current law, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) must disclose whether an individual holds a concealed handgun license to any person submitting a written request and paying a required fee. This disclosure of information presents a potential violation of the personal privacy of concealed handgun license holders.
H.B. 991 removes the requirement that DPS disclose to any person, other than state and local law enforcement agencies, whether an individual holds a concealed handgun license.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 411.192, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 411.192. CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS. (a) Deletes existing text requiring the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to disclose to any other individual whether a certain individual is registered to carry a concealed handgun.
(b) Authorizes an applicant for a concealed handgun license or a license holder to be furnished with a copy of disclosable records regarding the applicant or license holder on request and payment of a fee.
(c) and (d) Creates these subsections from existing text and makes a conforming change.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect on September 1, 2007.