Texas House Bill HB1149

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility for a license to carry a handgun.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1149 could have significant implications on firearm laws in Texas. By modifying the eligibility criteria, the bill may increase the number of individuals able to obtain a license to carry a handgun who would otherwise be disqualified under prior law. The adjustments aim to provide more opportunities for responsible citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights while maintaining necessary public safety considerations through specific restrictions on individuals with serious criminal charges or ongoing legal issues.

Summary

House Bill 1149 pertains to amending the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking a license to carry a handgun in Texas. The bill updates the definitions and conditions under which a person is considered 'convicted' and expands the qualifications that determine an individual's eligibility to apply for a license. Among the key changes, the bill allows individuals with certain past misdemeanor convictions—if not classified as felonies or certain disqualifying offenses—to apply for a handgun license after a specified period, signaling a shift in policy towards a more lenient approach to gun ownership rights.

Contention

The proposed bill is likely to spark discussions among lawmakers and the public alike, especially regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. Advocates of the bill may argue that it restores rights to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation, while opponents could raise concerns that it may allow potentially dangerous individuals greater access to firearms. Notable areas of contention include the definitions surrounding misdemeanor convictions and the implications of allowing certain individuals, once deemed ineligible, to carry firearms again after a prescribed period.