Rise in concealed gun permits causes backlog
State agency not meeting deadlines mandated by law
By Kate Alexander
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, May 09, 2008
A surge in applications for concealed handgun licenses has overwhelmed the Texas Department of Public Safety in recent months, causing lengthy delays for people seeking permits and renewals.
The department started experiencing a marked increase in applications late last year, and the onslaught has not stopped, DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said.
In April, the number of applications rose almost 40 percent compared with the same month last year.
"The volume has increased. The number of people available to deal with that volume has not," Mange said.
That increase has put a strain on the system and led to the backlogs.
New applications are being held up about 30 days beyond the 60-day approval deadline mandated by state law. For renewals, the wait is about 75 to 80 days past the law's 45-day deadline.
Alice Tripp, legislative director of the Texas State Rifle Association, said she does not think DPS is dragging its feet in issuing the licenses. But the department does need help to deal with the increased workload, Tripp said.
State Rep. Joe Driver, chairman of the House Law Enforcement Committee, said the surge has surprised everyone.
"The department is going to be putting a concerted effort forward to try to rectify the situation as fast as it can," said Driver, R-Garland.
His committee is monitoring the situation to determine how to address the problem if it persists.
Additional workers might be necessary, but Driver said it would be imprudent to ramp up the work force if the increase is temporary.
Mange recommends that license-seekers apply online and start the process well before their license expires.
That is advice that Driver intends to heed. His license does not expire until September, but Driver said he will be dropping his renewal package in the mail this weekend.
What is fueling the rush is anyone's guess.
"There is nothing that you can put your hand on, but it is there," said Larry Arnold, director of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association.
It might be political.
The presidential race has some people concerned that a Democratic victory could lead to substantial changes in federal gun laws, Arnold said.
As a precaution, they are getting their licenses now, Arnold said.
Or perhaps it is cyclical.
Handgun instructor Tom Schaefer said his classes are typically packed in the spring and empty in the winter.
"It is seasonal. The weather is pretty," Schaefer said.
Changes in the law to protect the privacy of license applicants might also be a factor, Driver said. Before 2007, license applicants' names were public.
Arnold said he does not see fear as a motivator as he did after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when the demand for licenses jumped significantly from the previous year.
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