BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 980

By: Wray

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that certain law enforcement and public safety professionals are eligible for a reduced fee for the issuance of a license to carry a handgun but that county jailers are not afforded this treatment. Due to the vital service county jailers provide in maintaining safety and security across Texas, H.B. 980 seeks to reduce the fee for the issuance of an original or renewed license to carry a handgun for a county jailer to $25.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 980 amends the Government Code to impose a reduced fee of $25 for the issuance of an original or renewed license to carry a handgun on an applicant who is a county jailer.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.