HB 207 expands the definition of “federal judge” in the Texas Government Code for purposes of eligibility to obtain a license to carry a handgun. Under current law, the term already includes judges of U.S. courts of appeals, U.S. district courts, U.S. bankruptcy courts, and magistrate judges of U.S. district courts. This bill adds judges of U.S. immigration courts to that list.
The practical effect is to make immigration court judges eligible for the same handgun license treatment already available to other covered federal judges under Section 411.201 of the Government Code. The bill applies only to license applications submitted on or after the effective date, and it would take effect on the 91st day after the legislative session ends.
Impact
The bill amends Section 411.201(a)(2), Government Code, by broadening the statutory definition of “federal judge” to include judges of U.S. immigration courts. This change affects the licensing framework for carrying handguns by extending eligibility to an additional category of federal judicial officers, while leaving prior applications governed by existing law. No other statutes are changed.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears narrow and administrative in nature, focused on aligning immigration court judges with other federal judges already covered by the handgun licensing provision.
Contention
The only apparent point of contention is the policy choice to extend handgun-license eligibility to immigration court judges, a group not previously listed in the statute. Supporters would likely view this as a security and parity measure for federal judicial officers, while opponents might question whether immigration judges should be treated the same as other federal judges for this purpose. No recorded objections or amendments are included in the provided materials.
Relating to the age at which a person not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun or is eligible for a license to carry a handgun.
Relating to the assumption of the powers and duties relating to driver's licenses, personal identification certificates, and other related programs, powers, and duties by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Relating to limitations on federal authority and federal agents in this state, including the licensure of federal agents and special procedures for executing federal warrants; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the creation of an enhanced license designation for a license to carry a handgun and the locations in which the holder of that enhanced license may carry a handgun.