BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3142

By: Bell

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Qualifying to obtain a Texas concealed handgun license does not currently guarantee the ability to carry any category of handgun. Critics assert that an individual who qualifies to carry a concealed handgun with a semi-automatic handgun may legally carry a semi-automatic handgun or a revolver, but that an individual who qualifies with a revolver may legally carry only a revolver. H.B. 3142 seeks to allow individuals to qualify for concealed handgun carry with either a semi-automatic handgun or a revolver and carry any legal handgun of the individual's choice by removing the categories of handguns in statutory provisions regarding concealed handgun licensing.

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. 3142 repeals Government Code provisions relating to the authorization of a concealed handgun license holder to modify a license to allow the holder to carry a handgun of a different category than the license indicates and relating to the two categories of handguns and modification procedures.

H.B. 3142 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code, Government Code, Parks and Wildlife Code, and Penal Code to make conforming changes.

H.B. 3142 repeals the following provisions of the Government Code:

· Section 411.171(1)

· Section 411.179(b)

· Section 411.184

· Sections 411.188(e) and (h)

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.