Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2283

Filed

3/11/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the rights of special forces veterans who hold a license to carry a handgun.

Impact

The legislation amends several sections of the Government Code regarding handgun licenses, requiring the Department of Public Safety to provide a space for documenting military service that qualifies for veteran designations. By including a specific 'SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN' designation, the bill seeks to highlight and recognize the unique sacrifices made by these service members. This measure not only acknowledges their contributions but also prompts a broader recognition of veterans within Texas law.

Summary

Senate Bill 2283 aims to provide specific rights to special forces veterans in relation to firearm ownership, particularly through the optional designation on handgun licenses. The bill defines 'special forces veteran' with specific criteria based on service in designated military units such as the Army's Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and Marine Corps reconnaissance. These veterans can apply for a designation on their licenses that demonstrates their service, thus enhancing their acknowledgment and benefits as veterans in the state of Texas.

Contention

The bill's provisions have sparked discussions regarding the implications of special designations for veterans. While supporters argue that such recognition is long overdue, critics may raise concerns about potential complications in the licensing process or the precedent it establishes for other veterans' classifications. Additionally, there could be discussions surrounding the effectiveness of the changes, particularly regarding implementation and the administrative burden on the Department of Public Safety to accommodate these new designations.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
- Section: 174
- Section: 179
- Section: New Section

Occupations Code

Chapter 1702. Private Security
- Section: New Section

Penal Code

Chapter 46. Weapons
- Section: 15

Companion Bills

TX HB5014

Identical Relating to the rights of special forces veterans who hold a license to carry a handgun.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4663

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

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 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 HB2278

Relating to wrongful exclusion of handgun license holders from certain property owned by or leased to a governmental entity and to certain offenses relating to the carrying of handguns on that property.

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 HB4526

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

TX HB3443

Relating to adding a designation on a person's driver's license or commercial driver's license indicating that the person is licensed to carry a handgun.

TX HB5142

Relating to the issuance of specially marked driver's licenses and personal identification certificates to veterans.

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 HB4966

Relating to law enforcement agency personnel records and the reporting of separations of license holders to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.