Summary of New Laws Impacting Handgun Licensing
HB 40 Effective September 1, 2025
Caption: Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables.
- Business court judges are now included in the definition of a state court judge allowing business court judges to obtain the judicial special condition on LTC.
HB 668 Effective Immediately (June 20, 2025)
Caption: Relating to the renewal of a license to carry a handgun.
- Establishes statutory one-year grace period for renewing the license.
HB 1234 Effective September 1, 2025
Caption: Relating to certain procedures required for the denial of certain applications for a license to carry a handgun.
- Creates additional appellate procedures for individual applicants and license holders who are referred to the Medical Advisory Board and whose application has been denied by the board.
HB 1506 Effective September 1, 2025
Caption: Relating to the issuance of a license to carry a handgun to certain retired county court judges.
- Expands definition of retired judicial officer to include retired constitutional court judges and statutory county court judges.
HB 4995 Effective September 1, 2025
Caption: Relating to the carrying of handguns by tactical medical professionals while on duty providing support to tactical units of law enforcement agencies.
- Requires the Department to establish minimum standards for a training course for tactical medical professionals who hold an LTC and who provide support to tactical law enforcement units.
- Tactical training can be offered beginning January 1, 2026.
SB 706 Effective September 1, 2025
Caption: Relating to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another state.
- The Department is directed to determine which states recognize a Texas handgun license for the purpose of reciprocation and to update this information on the website annually.
SB 890 Effective September 1, 2025
Caption: Relating to the issuance of a license to carry a handgun to certain active and retired judicial officers.
- Adds probate judges to the definition of active judicial officers.