Bill > HB1487

This bill eliminates various fees associated with obtaining, renewing, or modifying a license to carry a handgun in Texas. Specifically, the bill removes the $40 application fee for new licenses, the $40 renewal fee, and other related fees such as the $25 fee for judicial officers and the $2 mental health background check fee. The bill also clarifies and expands the definition of a "veteran" for license designation purposes, allowing veterans from various branches of military service who have been honorably discharged to have a "VETERAN" designation on their handgun license. The legislation removes language requiring payment of fees for duplicate licenses, background checks, and instructor certifications. Additionally, the bill repeals several sections of the Government Code related to licensing fees and removes the mental health background check fee from the Local Government Code. The changes will apply to all license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, effectively making the process of obtaining a handgun license in Texas less financially burdensome for applicants.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1487