BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 140 By: Gonzalez Toureilles Public Safety Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reviews all applications for renewal of a concealed handgun license. Depending on the number of applications waiting review, DPS cannot always review all applications within a timely period. The bill proposes to create a defense for a person who normally carries a valid concealed handgun license, but does not have a renewed license because of the state's failure to timely renew a license and notify the licensee. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS The bill amends the Texas Penal Code and Government Code to define a valid concealed handgun license to include an expired license if, before the expiration date, the licensee submitted an application for renewal to DPS and has not received notice that the application was denied. EFFECTIVE DATE Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2009. BILL ANALYSIS BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 140 By: Gonzalez Toureilles Public Safety Committee Report (Unamended) H.B. 140 By: Gonzalez Toureilles Public Safety Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reviews all applications for renewal of a concealed handgun license. Depending on the number of applications waiting review, DPS cannot always review all applications within a timely period. The bill proposes to create a defense for a person who normally carries a valid concealed handgun license, but does not have a renewed license because of the state's failure to timely renew a license and notify the licensee. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS The bill amends the Texas Penal Code and Government Code to define a valid concealed handgun license to include an expired license if, before the expiration date, the licensee submitted an application for renewal to DPS and has not received notice that the application was denied. EFFECTIVE DATE Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2009.