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 change is made by inserting new language that specifies this eligibility, while also removing the previous option that included only retired federal judges as eligible.

The bill stipulates that the changes will apply only 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 existing law, ensuring that the previous 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)