The bill, H.B. No. 1337, amends Section 411.173(b) of the Government Code to recognize valid handgun licenses issued by any other state in Texas. It mandates that the governor negotiate agreements for reciprocal recognition of handgun licenses with states that require such agreements for their licenses to be recognized in Texas. Additionally, the bill requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to publish and annually update a list of states where Texas handgun licenses are recognized.

Furthermore, the bill repeals Sections 411.173(c) and (d), which previously outlined specific conditions under which licenses from other states would be recognized, including requirements for background checks. The changes aim to simplify the process of recognizing out-of-state handgun licenses and enhance the clarity of the law regarding handgun carry licenses in Texas. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)