TX
Texas House Bill HB2470

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2470

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the age at which a person not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun or is eligible for a license to carry a handgun.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2470 would transform existing laws related to the age restriction on carrying handguns, lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18. This would impact individuals' ability to obtain licenses and legally carry handguns outside of their residences. The proposed change reinforces the legislative intent to facilitate greater access to self-defense tools for younger adults, recognizing a significant demographic that has been restricted from exercising their gun rights despite being legally able to own firearms.

Summary

House Bill 2470 seeks to amend the current regulations regarding the carrying of handguns in Texas by allowing individuals aged 18, 19, and 20 who are not otherwise prohibited under state or federal law from possessing firearms to carry handguns. The bill emphasizes the importance of the Second Amendment and aims to align Texas's laws with recent judicial rulings that recognize the right of younger adults to carry firearms for self-defense. Proponents argue that this change will enhance personal rights and safety for young adults in situations where self-defense is necessary.

Contention

The bill is likely to generate significant debate concerning public safety and firearm regulations. Supporters champion this initiative as a vital step toward broader Second Amendment rights, emphasizing that responsible young adults should be treated equally in lawful self-defense scenarios. However, opponents might raise concerns about the potential for increased gun violence and the implications of allowing younger individuals to carry handguns in public spaces. These discussions will likely highlight a spectrum of beliefs about gun control and personal safety.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: 047
    • Section: 172
    • Section: 205
    • Section: 179

Penal Code

  • Chapter 46. Weapons
    • Section: 02

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4663

Relating to the age at which a person is eligible for a license to carry a handgun.

TX HB1648

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by a district clerk and the issuance of a handgun license to a district clerk.

TX SB599

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by a district or county clerk and the issuance of a handgun license to a district or county clerk.

TX SB354

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by handgun license holders on the campus of a school district or open-enrollment charter school.

TX HB2291

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by certain retired judges and justices.

TX SB1169

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by certain retired judges and justices.

TX HB408

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

TX HB220

Relating to the offense of unlawful transfer of handguns and other firearms and to the duties of certain entities with respect to handgun licenses that are active, suspended, or revoked; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4639

Relating to unlawfully carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft.

TX HB3996

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.