HB 1337

AN ACT relating to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another

House Bill Isaac | Dorazio | Hickland | Cortez
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

← Back to Bills

Committee

Not yet assigned

Fiscal Note

Not available

What This Bill Does

Requires Texas to recognize handgun licenses from other states, allowing out-of-state license holders to legally carry their firearms in Texas. The law mandates the governor to negotiate reciprocal agreements with other states or ensure that the other state conducts background checks before issuing handgun licenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety must maintain and update an online list of states where Texas handgun licenses are also recognized, making it easier for license holders to understand their carry rights across state lines.

Subject Areas

Bill Text

relating to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 411.173(b), Government Code, is amended
(b)  A valid license to carry a handgun issued by any other
state is recognized in this state.  The governor shall negotiate [an
agreement] with any other state an agreement that provides for the
reciprocal recognition [issuance] of a license to carry a handgun
if the other state requires such an agreement before recognizing a
license to carry a handgun issued by this state [under which a
license issued by the other state is recognized in this state or
shall issue a proclamation that a license issued by the other state
is recognized in this state if the attorney general of the State of
Texas determines that a background check of each applicant for a
license issued by that state is initiated by state or local
authorities or an agent of the state or local authorities before the
license is issued.  For purposes of this subsection, "background
check" means a search of the National Crime Information Center
database and the Interstate Identification Index maintained by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation].  The department shall publish on
its Internet website and annually update a list of states in which a
license to carry a handgun issued by this state is recognized.
SECTION 2.  Sections 411.173(c) and (d), Government Code,
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another