Texas Senate Bill SB 706

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/6/25
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/5/25
• Voted on by Senate: 3/19/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/1/25
• Voted on by House: 5/21/25
• Governor Action: 6/20/25

Caption

Relating to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another state.

Summary

SB 706 amends Texas Government Code Section 411.173 to provide that a valid handgun license issued by any other state is recognized in Texas. The bill removes the prior conditional framework that tied recognition to negotiated agreements, proclamations, and background-check determinations, and instead establishes direct recognition of out-of-state handgun licenses. It also requires the Department of Public Safety to publish and annually update a list of states in which a Texas handgun license is recognized. The bill repeals Sections 411.173(c) and (d), which contained the former reciprocity and background-check provisions. As a result, Texas law would shift from a more conditional reciprocity system to a broader recognition standard for nonresident license holders, while still preserving the state’s ability to track where Texas licenses are honored. The bill takes effect immediately if it receives the constitutionally required supermajority; otherwise, it becomes effective September 1, 2025.

Impact

SB 706 changes state handgun-carry reciprocity law by mandating recognition of concealed carry or handgun licenses issued by other states, rather than relying on case-by-case agreements or attorney general findings about other states’ background-check procedures. It affects Government Code Chapter 411, specifically the licensing and reciprocity provisions administered by the Department of Public Safety, and it removes statutory language that previously governed how Texas would decide whether to recognize another state’s license.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have generally favorable support but with meaningful opposition, reflecting the broader policy divide over firearm reciprocity and concealed carry. It passed the Senate with a strong majority and the House with a narrower margin, indicating that while the measure had enough support to advance, it remained politically contested. The votes suggest support from lawmakers favoring expanded interstate recognition of handgun licenses and opposition from members concerned about gun regulation and public safety.

Contention

The main point of contention is whether Texas should automatically recognize handgun licenses from all other states or continue using a more selective reciprocity system tied to background-check standards and formal agreements. Supporters likely view the bill as simplifying lawful carry for license holders and strengthening reciprocity, while opponents likely object to reducing Texas’s ability to condition recognition on other states’ licensing and vetting practices. The close House vote suggests this issue remained divisive, especially among lawmakers focused on firearms policy and public safety oversight.