AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under current requirements of the concealed handgun law, a handgun of .32 caliber or greater must be used by an applicant to demonstrate the degree of proficiency to effectively operate a handgun. However, once an applicant completes the concealed handgun license course and application requirements and receives his or her concealed handgun license, there is no minimum caliber requirement for a handgun that a license holder may carry. In many cases, concealed handgun license holders actually choose to carry a .22 caliber handgun.
S.B. 179 changes current law of the handgun proficiency requirement to allow applicants to qualify for a concealed handgun license with a handgun of .22 caliber or greater. This change allows applicants to qualify for a concealed handgun license with the weapon that they actually intend to carry. This bill also allows applicants with arthritis or other injuries that cause decreased upper body strength to qualify with a handgun that is easier to operate mechanically.
As proposed, S.B. 179 amends current law relating to the handgun proficiency required to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the public safety director is modified in SECTION 1 (Section 411.188, Government Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 411.188(a), Government Code, to require an applicant for a concealed handgun license to be able to demonstrate, at a minimum, the degree of proficiency that is required to effectively operate a handgun of .22 caliber or above, rather than .32 caliber or above.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.