TITLE: Relating to the issuance of a pass for expedited access to the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Relating to the issuance of a pass for expedited access to the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the issuance of a pass for expedited access to the State Capitol. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 411.0625 to read as follows: Sec. 411.0625. PASS FOR EXPEDITED ACCESS TO CAPITOL. (a) The department shall allow a person to enter the Capitol and the Capitol Extension, including any public space in the Capitol or Capitol Extension, in the same manner as the department allows entry to a person who presents a concealed handgun license under Subchapter Hif the person: (1) obtains from the department a Capitol access pass; and (2) presents the pass to the appropriate law enforcement official when entering the building or a space within the building. (b) To be eligible for a Capitol access pass, a person must meet the eligibility requirements applicable to a license to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, other than requirements regarding evidence of handgun proficiency. (c) The department shall adopt rules to establish a procedure by which a resident of the state may apply for and be issued a Capitol access pass. Rules adopted under this section must include provisions for eligibility, application, approval, issuance, and renewal that: (1) require the department to conduct the same background check on an applicant for a Capitol access pass that is conducted on an applicant for a concealed handgun license under Subchapter H; (2) enable the department to conduct the background check described by Subdivision (1); and (3) establish application and renewal fees in amounts sufficient to cover the cost of administering this section, not to exceed the amounts of similar fees required for a concealed handgun license under Section 411.174. SECTION 2. 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.