Texas House Bill HB2865

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The amendment is set to affect how the Texas Department of Public Safety evaluates applications for handgun licenses. By altering the implications of deferred adjudication, the bill could potentially increase the number of eligible applicants for handgun licenses, particularly benefiting those who have had past non-violent offenses or have met certain qualifications in the last decade. This represents a shift towards a more lenient stance on past criminal activity, driving a debate about the balance between public safety and individual rights.

Summary

House Bill 2865 proposes amendments to the eligibility requirements for obtaining a handgun license in Texas. The bill specifically addresses the definitions related to criminal convictions as they pertain to individuals' applications for a license to carry a handgun. One of the key changes in the bill is the stipulation that a person would not be considered legally convicted if they received an order of deferred adjudication that was entered at least 10 years prior to their application, provided that the underlying offense does not fall under certain serious categories. This change aims to offer a renewed chance for individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation over a significant period.

Contention

The introduction of HB 2865 is likely to spur discussions among legislators and the public regarding gun ownership rights and the implications of criminal history on these rights. Supporters of the bill may argue that it fosters rehabilitation and reintegration into society for those who have made amends for prior actions, promoting personal freedoms aligned with the Second Amendment. Conversely, there may be significant opposition from groups emphasizing public safety who argue that easing restrictions on handgun licensing for individuals with a criminal history could lead to increased risks in communities. The bill illuminates the broader debate on gun control and the parameters of legal firearm possession.