House Bill No. 1696 proposes to amend Texas law to allow individuals licensed to carry a handgun to have a specific designation on their driver's license or commercial driver's license. The bill introduces new provisions that require the Department of Public Safety to adopt rules enabling applicants for original, duplicate, modified, or renewed licenses to opt for a designation indicating their handgun license status. This designation will include the handgun license number and the effective period of the license. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals must meet the requirements for a handgun license to receive this designation and must maintain it only while their handgun license is valid.

The bill also modifies existing laws regarding the display of identification by handgun license holders when requested by law enforcement. It specifies that a license holder may present either their driver's license or commercial driver's license with the handgun designation or both their driver's license and handgun license. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, for both handgun licenses and driver's licenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 507.001, Government Code 411.205, Transportation Code 522.030 (Government Code 411, Commerce Code 507, Transportation Code 522)
House Committee Report: Commerce Code 507.001, Government Code 411.205, Transportation Code 522.030 (Government Code 411, Commerce Code 507, Transportation Code 522)
Engrossed: Commerce Code 507.001, Government Code 411.205, Transportation Code 522.030 (Government Code 411, Commerce Code 507, Transportation Code 522)