Although DPS plans to begin accepting applications on September 1, licenses will not become effective until January 1, 1996. Announcements on training classes for instructors and applicants will be forthcoming. Although it is expected that NRA- certified instructors will be recognized as qualified handgun instructors, they must still be certified by DPS and may be required to receive additional training or expand their courses to meet the instructional criteria set out in the bill. DPS will conduct criminal history records checks on applicants and verify the accuracy of information included on the application materials. DPS shall issue licenses to qualified applicants within 90 days of receipt of the completed application materials.
Licenses are valid for four years from the date of issuance.
DPS is required to provide written notice to any individual who is denied a license or whose license has been revoked or suspended. An individual may submit to DPS a written request for a hearing within 30 days of receiving the notice. DPS is required to schedule a hearing in the justice court of the county in which that individual resides and it must take place within 60 days of the date of the written request for the hearing. If the court determines that the denial, revocation or suspension of the license was not supported by a preponderance of evidence, it shall order DPS to immediately issue or return the license to the applicant or license holder. The applicant will be required to demonstrate, at a minimum, that he or she can effectively operate a 9mm or .38 caliber handgun.