86R3626 JSC-D By: VanDeaver H.B. No. 497 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the classroom instruction part of the handgun proficiency course taken to obtain a license to carry a handgun. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 411.188(b), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Only qualified handgun instructors may administer the range instruction part of the handgun proficiency course. A qualified handgun instructor or approved online course provider may administer the classroom instruction part of the handgun proficiency course. The classroom instruction part of the course must include not less than four hours and not more than six hours of instruction on: (1) the laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force; (2) handgun use and safety, including: (A) types and uses of ammunition; and (B) use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns; (3) nonviolent dispute resolution; and (4) proper storage practices for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child. SECTION 2. Section 411.190(b), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) In addition to the qualifications described by Subsection (a) or (a-1), as appropriate, a qualified handgun instructor or approved online course provider must be qualified to instruct persons in: (1) the laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force; (2) handgun use, proficiency, and safety, including: (A) types and uses of ammunition; and (B) use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns; (3) nonviolent dispute resolution; and (4) proper storage practices for handguns, including storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child. SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an application to obtain a license to carry a handgun submitted on or after the effective date of this Act. An application submitted before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the application was submitted, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.