Potential Texas Law Could Eliminate Handgun Fees
BY Herschel Smith
8 years ago
AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) – Owning a handgun in Texas may soon become more affordable.
Currently, the application fee for a standard condition handgun license is $140 and renewing it cost $70; however, under the new legislation these fees would be eliminated.
People would still need to go through a background check and training before becoming fully certified.
“SB 16 [proposed bill] will make lawful carry more affordable for law abiding citizens across the state,” Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said. “No Texan should be deprived of their right to self protection because of onerous licensing fees imposed by the state.”
Ayvrie Dixon, owner of Dixon Firearms Training, was skeptical about whether or not the bill will pass.
While this makes the process more affordable, the state loses a consistent source of revenue.
Uh huh. And thus we’re to the crux of the matter, aren’t we, just like when this came up in Oklahoma.
… opponents said it would have serious financial consequences for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which administers firearms licenses issued under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.
A fiscal analysis performed for the House indicates the measure would reduce OSBI’s revenue by at least $6 million and would lead to the loss of jobs and reduced operating expenses at the agency.
The reduction in revenue would be because firearms owners would no longer seek concealed carry licenses – which cost $100 for initial 5-year license and $200 for 10 years – if they could carry a gun openly without a license. There are now more than 238,300 Oklahomans with active licenses to carry handguns, according to state figures.
That’s seldom brought up in this context, yes? But it’s the major issue associated with Jim Crow laws such as this one. The State behemoth would have to become leaner, and no monster wants to go on a diet.
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