Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
Summary: Current law requires a person seeking a concealed handgun license to submit two full sets of fingerprints. Department of Public Safety requires these fingerprints to be taken digitally at an approved facility. Some parties note that people who live in rural areas must travel long distances to one of these approved facilities. HB 698 requires the DPS to establish a procedure for fingerprint submissions for applicants who live 25 miles or more away from an approved facility.
Analysis: The government requires citizens to have a concealed handgun license to lawfully carry a concealed handgun. The government should provide reasonable procedures for all law-abiding citizens to attain this license without undue burdens. This legislation would modestly lighten the licensing burden for concealed carry permit applicants. We recommend voting yes on HB 698.