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 a new section, 411.1795, to the Government Code, which mandates the Department of Public Safety to create rules enabling applicants for original, duplicate, modified, or renewed licenses to opt for this designation. The designation will indicate that the individual is licensed to carry a handgun and will include the handgun license number and the effective period of the license. Additionally, the bill modifies existing sections of the Business & Commerce Code and Transportation Code to clarify the requirements for displaying identification when carrying a handgun.

The bill also specifies that the designation on the driver's license or commercial driver's license will only be granted if the individual meets the necessary requirements for a handgun license and maintains the designation only while they are licensed. The Department of Public Safety is required to adopt the necessary rules by December 1, 2025, and the provisions of the bill will apply to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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