BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1349

By: Larson

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concern has been expressed over the requirement that a concealed handgun license applicant provide the applicant's social security number to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when applying for the license. Interested parties contend that a social security number is mainly used for federal government purposes and should not be mandated or connected to the state's application for a concealed handgun license because it is not necessary to complete a background check and because other identifying information, such as the person's name and birth date, are provided.

In an effort to ensure state sovereignty and protect the private rights of Texas citizens, H.B. 1349 prohibits DPS from requesting or requiring a social security number on the application for a concealed handgun license or for license renewal.

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

H.B. 1349 amends the Government Code to prohibit the Texas Department of Public Safety from requesting or requiring a concealed handgun license applicant or holder to provide the applicant's or holder's social security number as part of the license application or for license renewal, respectively.

H.B. 1349 amends the Family Code to make conforming changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.