Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1684 by Huffines (Relating to authorizing certain first responders to carry a concealed handgun while on duty and to the prosecution of certain related offenses; providing for a fee.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to create a new concealed handgun license designation for a first responder, defined as a public safety employee or volunteer whose duties include responding rapidly to an emergency. DPS would establish a license fee to cover the costs of implementing the provisions of the bill, training standards, and an application form for a license with this designation. It is assumed implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within current resources.
The bill would also make conforming changes to the Penal Code. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies
The bill would take effect on September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
There may be a cost to local governmental entities for training and rulemaking; however, the fiscal impact is not anticipated to be significant.
The bill would modify a class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and confinement could likely be absorbed with existing resources. Revenue from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 405 Department of Public Safety