The bill, H.B. No. 2470, proposes amendments to Texas law regarding the eligibility age for carrying a handgun and obtaining a handgun license. Specifically, it lowers the minimum age from 21 to 18 for individuals who are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code, including Section 411.047(b) and Section 411.172(a), to reflect this change, allowing responsible individuals aged 18, 19, and 20 to carry handguns outside the home for self-defense. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals currently prohibited from firearm possession will not gain rights under this legislation.

The bill also includes various amendments to existing legal language, such as the removal of references to the age of 21 in multiple sections, and repeals certain provisions related to protective order designations. It establishes that a handgun license with a protective order designation remains valid until the holder's 22nd birthday, regardless of the status of the protective order. 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 (Penal Code 46, Government Code 411)