BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2247

By: Huffman

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although the fees for a handgun license have been decreased in recent years, there have been calls for the state to remove the financial burden of these fees altogether so that more Texans may obtain a handgun license and enjoy the associated benefits, which include reciprocity with other states and additional education about how to carry a handgun safely, responsibly, and legally. S.B. 2247 seeks to remove the fees for an original, modified, renewed, or duplicate handgun license.

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

S.B. 2247 amends the Government Code to remove the fees for an original, modified, renewed, or duplicate handgun license, including the fee imposed on a person certified as a qualified handgun instructor or as an approved online course provider and the fee imposed for a nonresident handgun license.

S.B. 2247 amends the Local Government Code to remove the fee for a mental health background check for a handgun license collected by a county clerk.

S.B. 2247 repeals Section 118.0217, Local Government Code, and the following Government Code provisions:

· Sections 411.181(d) and (i);

· Section 411.186(d);

· Section 411.194;

· Section 411.195;

· Section 411.1951;

· Section 411.1953;

· Section 411.1954;

· Section 411.199(d);

· Section 411.1991(c);

· Section 411.1992(d);

· Section 411.1993(e); and

· Section 411.1994(d).

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.