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Bill

HB 1487

Relating to the removal of a fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, modified, or renewed license to carry a handgun.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by A.J. Louderback

Texas bill eliminates handgun carry license fees, removing financial barriers to permit acquisition while reducing state revenue for licensing administration.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#fees&othernontaxrevenue--state(i0362) #identificationcards(s0074) #military&veterans(i0535) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · HB 1487

Legislative bill overview

HB 1487 would eliminate the state fee for obtaining or renewing a handgun carry license in Texas. Currently, Texas charges fees for issuing original, duplicate, modified, and renewed licenses to carry handguns. This bill removes those financial barriers entirely.

Why is this important

Handgun carry license fees currently range from approximately $40-$40 for initial applications and renewals. Eliminating these fees would remove a financial barrier to exercising Second Amendment rights and affect state revenue that currently funds licensing administration. The change could increase licensing participation rates while reducing government funding for the licensing program.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment vs. revenue concerns: Supporters argue fees create unconstitutional barriers to rights; opponents note fees fund necessary background checks and administrative costs
  • State budget impact: Removing fees eliminates a dedicated revenue stream without identifying alternative funding sources for the licensing system's operation
  • Equity arguments: Both sides claim this affects lower-income Texans differently—supporters say it removes regressive barriers, critics worry it may reduce funding for safety infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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