85R1210 ADM-D By: Moody H.B. No. 111 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to an educational program and fee reductions to improve firearm safety. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 411.1954 and 411.210 to read as follows: Sec. 411.1954. REDUCTION OF FEES: PURCHASE OF SECURE GUN STORAGE DEVICE. (a) In this section, "secure gun storage device" means a gun safe, gun case, gun cabinet, or other device that is designed to be: (1) used to store a gun; and (2) unlocked only by use of a key or combination or by other similar means. (b) The department shall reduce any fee required for the issuance of an original or renewed license under this subchapter if the applicant for the license provides the department with proof that a secure gun storage device has been purchased by the applicant or on behalf of the applicant. (c) The amount of the reduction under Subsection (b) is the lesser of: (1) the total amount of the fee the applicant would otherwise be required to pay; or (2) $40. Sec. 411.210. FIREARM SAFETY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "licensed firearms dealer" means a person who is licensed as a firearms dealer under 18 U.S.C. Section 923. (b) The department shall develop and implement an educational program to encourage firearm safety and to improve public awareness on the topics of: (1) the availability of secure gun storage solutions, including secure gun storage devices as defined by Section 411.1954; and (2) the safe handling of firearms. (c) In implementing the program, the department shall publish a pamphlet on the topics described by Subsection (b). The pamphlet must be distributed to each licensed firearms dealer in this state, to be provided by a licensed firearms dealer at the point of sale or other transfer of a firearm to a person. (d) The department may pay the costs of the program and its administration only from the proceeds of fees collected under this subchapter. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act in adding Section 411.1954, Government Code, applies only to an application to obtain or renew a license to carry a handgun submitted on or after the effective date of this Act. An application submitted before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the application was submitted, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.