By: Geren, et al (Senate Sponsor - Eltife) H.B. No. 2131
(In the Senate - Received from the House April 20, 2011;
April 26, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on
Administration; May 5, 2011, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; May 5, 2011, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the issuance of a pass for expedited access to the State
Capitol.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 411, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 411.0625 to read as follows:
Sec. 411.0625. PASS FOR EXPEDITED ACCESS TO CAPITOL.
(a) The department shall allow a person to enter the Capitol and
the Capitol Extension, including any public space in the Capitol or
Capitol Extension, in the same manner as the department allows
entry to a person who presents a concealed handgun license under
Subchapter H if the person:
(1) obtains from the department a Capitol access pass;
and
(2) presents the pass to the appropriate law
enforcement official when entering the building or a space within
the building.
(b) To be eligible for a Capitol access pass, a person must
meet the eligibility requirements applicable to a license to carry
a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, other than requirements
regarding evidence of handgun proficiency.
(c) The department shall adopt rules to establish a
procedure by which a resident of the state may apply for and be
issued a Capitol access pass. Rules adopted under this section must
include provisions for eligibility, application, approval,
issuance, and renewal that:
(1) require the department to conduct the same
background check on an applicant for a Capitol access pass that is
conducted on an applicant for a concealed handgun license under
Subchapter H;
(2) enable the department to conduct the background
check described by Subdivision (1); and
(3) establish application and renewal fees in amounts
sufficient to cover the cost of administering this section, not to
exceed the amounts of similar fees required for a concealed handgun
license under Section 411.174.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
* * * * *