Texas House Bill HB140

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08
• Out of House Committee: 4/2/09
• Voted on by House: 5/1/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/22/09

Caption

Relating to the use or display under certain circumstances of an expired license to carry a concealed handgun.

Impact

The bill's enactment would mean that individuals could legally carry a concealed handgun using their expired license without fear of immediate penalty, as long as they are in the renewal process and adhere to the requirement of displaying both their ID and handgun license upon request. This could potentially reduce cases of non-compliance among permit holders who may find themselves without a valid license due to minor lapses in timing regarding their renewal applications.

Summary

House Bill 140 proposes amendments to the Penal Code and Government Code regarding the use and display of an expired handgun license under specific circumstances. The bill stipulates that a license holder may still consider their expired license valid if they applied for renewal before its expiration and have not been informed that their application has been denied. This change aims to provide more leniency to gun owners regarding their licensing status, particularly in situations where they must display their licenses to law enforcement officers.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 140 seeks to balance the rights of gun owners with the need for clarity in law enforcement procedures. If passed, it could create a precedent for similar legislative efforts aiming to modernize gun laws and accommodate the realities surrounding license renewals.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 140 have pointed to significant contention regarding its implications for public safety and law enforcement. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary update that respects the rights of lawful gun owners who may encounter bureaucratic delays. Critics, however, express concern that allowing expired licenses to remain valid could complicate interactions between law enforcement and the public, possibly fostering confusion during stops or inspections.