Texas House Bill HB1948

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the duties of the Department of Public Safety and licensed firearms dealers with respect to the possession or use of a suspended or revoked license to carry a handgun.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact how firearm transfers are conducted in Texas by introducing enhanced responsibilities for licensed dealers. The establishment of a publicly accessible list of suspended and revoked licenses is intended to prevent the sale of firearms to individuals who are not legally allowed to possess them due to license issues. The bill mandates that dealers must verify the validity of a license before a transfer, thereby aiming to reduce the instances of illegal firearm possession and enhance public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1948 aims to regulate the responsibilities of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and licensed firearms dealers regarding individuals carrying a handgun with suspended or revoked licenses. The bill establishes mandatory procedures for verifying the status of a handgun carry license before a firearms dealer can sell or transfer a firearm to an individual. This requires dealers to access a current list maintained by the DPS, which indicates whether a license is suspended or revoked, to ensure compliance with state law.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 1948 is its implications for the relationship between state oversight and individual rights. Proponents of the bill argue that these regulations are necessary to uphold public safety and ensure that firearms do not fall into the hands of individuals who have lost their right to carry due to prior infractions. Conversely, opponents may argue that additional regulations could infringe on gun owners' rights and complicate lawful firearm transactions, raising concerns about the practicality and enforcement of such measures.