H.B. No. 1506 amends the Government Code to expand the definition of "retired judicial officer" to include additional categories of retired judges eligible for a license to carry a handgun. Specifically, the bill adds a new category for retired judges of constitutional county courts or statutory county courts who have served at least 48 months in such courts. This new definition is in addition to existing categories, which include visiting judges and senior judges, as well as retired federal judges who are residents of Texas.

The bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to applications for handgun carry licenses submitted on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will be governed by the previous law, ensuring that the former regulations remain in effect for those cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.201 (Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.201 (Government Code 411)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.201 (Government Code 411)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.201 (Government Code 411)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.201 (Government Code 411)