All Roll Calls
Yes: 264 • No: 37
TexasHB 499589th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Relating to the carrying of handguns by tactical medical professionals while on duty providing support to tactical units of law enforcement agencies.
Sponsored By: Charles Schwertner (Republican), Terry M. Wilson
Signed by Governor
Health Care ProvidersLaw EnforcementWeaponsPHYSICIANSSTAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAININGLAW ENFORCEMENT, TEXAS COMMISSION ONPUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Households face limits on handgun damage claims
Texas expands government protection from civil claims over handgun discharges to cover tactical medical professionals and volunteer emergency services workers. The person who fires must hold a handgun license. For tactical medical professionals, protection applies when the discharge is outside their job duties. This can limit an injured household's ability to recover money from the government unit. The change covers claims arising on or after September 1, 2025; earlier claims remain under prior law.
Tactical medics gain rights but pay costs
Texas creates a handgun certification path for licensed doctors and emergency medical services workers who hold handgun licenses. A law enforcement agency head must employ or appoint them to directly support tactical units at high-risk incidents. Qualified handgun instructors must provide initial classroom training, field instruction, and hands-on tests of handgun skills. The Department of Public Safety sets standards with state law enforcement training officials and issues certificates after completed courses. Professionals pay training and certification costs, complete annual continuing education, and receive certificates that expire one year after issuance. Certified professionals carrying handguns while performing their duties gain defenses to charges for licensed handgun trespass on private property. Certain unlawful-carry bans also do not apply when their handgun is concealed or in a holster. Both protections require an unexpired certificate and apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025; earlier offenses follow prior law. The department must adopt rules by December 1, 2025, and instructors cannot offer the initial course before January 1, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Charles Schwertner
Republican • Senate
Terry M. Wilson
House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/28/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/28/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/13/2025
Record vote
Yes: 118 • No: 22
House vote • 5/12/2025
Record vote
Yes: 126 • No: 15
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: State Affairs
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/31/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/31/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/30/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/30/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/29/2025HouseRecord vote
5/28/2025SenatePassed
5/28/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/28/2025SenateRecord vote
5/28/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/28/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/28/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/28/2025SenateLaid before the Senate
5/28/2025SenatePlaced on intent calendar
5/28/2025SenatePlaced on local & uncontested calendar
5/28/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/25/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/25/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/25/2025SenateVote taken in committee
5/22/2025SenateTestimony taken in committee
5/22/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/22/2025SenateScheduled for public hearing on . . .
5/22/2025SenatePosting rule suspended
5/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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