H.B. No. 2470 amends Texas law to lower the minimum age for individuals eligible to carry a handgun or obtain a handgun license from 21 to 18 years old, provided they are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. The bill reflects the findings of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which recognized the rights of responsible individuals aged 18 to 20 to carry handguns for self-defense. The legislation includes amendments to various sections of the Government Code and Penal Code, specifically changing the age requirement in Sections 411.172 and 46.02, and repealing certain provisions related to protective order designations.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the eligibility criteria for obtaining a handgun license and the requirements for displaying the license when requested by law enforcement. It also clarifies that individuals currently prohibited from firearm possession will not gain rights under this legislation. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to offenses committed on or after that date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.047, Government Code 411.172, Government Code 411.179, Government Code 411.205, Penal Code 46.02 (Government Code 411, Penal Code 46)