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 H if 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.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 205 , Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 2011.