87R12114 MEW-F

By: Jetton H.B. No. 3587

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the processing of applications for a license to carry a handgun during a state of disaster or state of emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 411.1851 to read as follows:

Sec. 411.1851. LICENSE PROCESSING NOT AFFECTED BY STATE OF EMERGENCY OR STATE OF DISASTER. Notwithstanding a declaration of a state of emergency under Section 433.001, a state of disaster under Section 418.014, or a local state of disaster under Section 418.108, or any other executive order or proclamation related to the disaster or emergency, the department:

(1) may not refuse to accept an application under Section 411.174 for a license to carry a handgun, if the application has been properly completed in accordance with that section;

(2) shall allow the submission of fingerprints under Section 411.175;

(3) shall review application materials in accordance with Section 411.176;

(4) shall issue a license to carry a handgun under Section 411.177 in accordance with that section;

(5) may not deny, revoke, or suspend a license to carry a handgun, except as expressly authorized under this subchapter;

(6) may not refuse to accept or process a notice regarding a change of information or applications for a duplicate license under Section 411.181; and

(7) may not refuse to accept or process an application to renew a license under Section 411.185, if the application has been properly completed in accordance with that section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.