Honorable Phil King, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2735 by Bohac (Relating to the carrying of a handgun by certain first responders and volunteer emergency services personnel; providing for a fee.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to authorize the Department of Public Safety to provide a designation for an on-duty first responder on an applicant's license to carry a handgun (LTC), provided the applicant submits to the department employment validation.
The bill would also require a license holder who becomes ineligible for an on-duty first responder designation because the license holder is no longer employed or volunteering as a first responder to promptly notify the department. The bill would require the Department of Public Safety to issue another license without the designation within 30 days of the notice.
The bill would amend the Penal Code to add that it is a defense to prosecution if a first responder held an LTC bearing an on-duty first responder designation, was carrying a handgun and was engaged in the actual discharge of the first responder's duties.
The bill would also exempt certain first responders from Sections 46.02 and 46.03, Penal Code.
It is assumed the costs to implement the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.