Highlights of the 79th Texas Legislature - Senate

REGULATORY
Sale of Alcohol at Fairs, Festivals, and Concerts on Sundays—H.B. 168
By Representative Deshotel—Senate Sponsor: Senator Armbrister
Currently, state law prohibits the sale of beer and wine prior to noon on Sundays. However, there is an exception
which allows for the sale of beer and wine after 10 a.m. on Sunday at certain "sports venues." This exception for
sports venues does not include the many fairs, festivals, and concerts that take place on Sunday mornings. This bill:
Amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to provide that during the period which the sale and consumption of alcohol is
authorized, a licensed or permitted premises located at a festival, fair, or concert is authorized to sell alcoholic
beverages between 10 a.m. and noon and a person is authorized to consume alcoholic beverages at a festival, fair,
or concert between 10 a.m. and noon.
Concealed Handgun Requirements Waived for Certain Persons—H.B. 685
By Representative Rose et al.—Senate Sponsor: Senator Van de Putte
Currently, to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license in Texas, an individual must receive a handgun
proficiency certificate from the Department of Public Safety (department). This requires the individual to successfully
complete both a classroom education session and a handgun range instruction session.
However, this process is at times redundant for certain individuals who might already be effectively trained to use
handguns. The largest group of individuals in this category are former members of the military, who often are
required to range-qualify in the use of handguns in the course of their military service. This bill:
Amends the Government Code, by adding a section prohibiting a person from being required to complete the range
instruction portion of a handgun proficiency course to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license if a form is
submitted demonstrating the license holder's qualification for an exemption.
Requires the director of public safety (director), by rule, to adopt a procedure by which a license holder who is
exempt under this Act from the range instruction portion of the handgun proficiency requirement may submit a form
demonstrating the license holder's qualification for an exemption.
Requires the form to provide sufficient information to allow the department to verify whether the license holder
qualifies for the exemption.
Requirements for Certain Barbering and Cosmetology Services—H.B. 1304
By Representative Wong—Senate Sponsor: Senator Van de Putte
Currently, cosmetology nail salons are not required to use autoclaves to sanitize non-disposable instruments, which
puts Texas citizens at risk of contracting dangerous infections and viruses. Among the Sunset Advisory
Commission's recommendations to the 79th Legislature, Regular Session, 2005, is the recommendation that salons
be required to use autoclaves to sanitize these instruments. This bill:
Amends the Occupations Code, setting forth certain provisions relating to a person who holds a license, certificate, or
permit issued under this chapter and who performs a barbering service stating that those persons shall, before
performing the service, disinfect and sterilize with an autoclave or a dry heat, ultraviolet, or other board-approved
sterilizer each non-disposable instrument used to perform the service; and may use a disposable supply or
instrument only if that supply or instrument is purchased at the location where the service is performed or provided by
the person on whom the service is performed.
HIGHLIGHTS - 79 TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE 201