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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB890

Regular Session

Relating to the issuance of a license to carry a handgun to certain active and retired judicial officers.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

SB890: Government Affairs Overview

SB890 expands the statutory definition of "retired judicial officer" for License to Carry (LTC) eligibility, effectively broadening the class of individuals authorized to carry firearms in restricted areas. Entities controlling access to secure facilities—particularly courthouses, law firms, and government buildings—must update security screening protocols to recognize these new credentials, as the specific statutory limitations on visiting judges have been removed.

Sen. Angela Paxton·Senate Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01

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SB890
Low
Relating to the issuance of a license to carry a handgun to certain active and retired judicial officers.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
DPS
Primary Author: Sen. Angela Paxton
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025
  • *Note:* Security protocols must be updated by 12:01 AM on this date.
  • Agency Rulemaking: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will update application forms and verification procedures.
  • *Regulatory Gray Zone:* Expect a lag between the effective date and the issuance of updated physical LTC cards reflecting "Judicial" status for this newly eligible group.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Update Post Orders: Immediately revise security manuals to reflect the removal of Section 26.023/26.024 limitations for visiting judges.
  • 2. Notify Vendors: Send a formal memorandum to your security contractor alerting them to the September 1 change and requiring confirmation of staff training.
  • 3. Review Policies: Audit workplace violence and weapons policies to ensure "Judicial Officer" exemptions reference the *current* Government Code, rather than static definitions.
  • 4. Prepare Escalation Protocols: Designate a point of contact for September 2025 to handle access disputes involving judicial officers carrying firearms without updated DPS cards.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Security Vendor Agreements: Review Statements of Work (SOW) and Post Orders for private security firms. You must amend instructions regarding weapons screening to ensure guards do not improperly attempt to disarm or deny entry to judicial officers qualifying under the new, broader definition.
  • Lease Agreements: For commercial tenants in secure buildings, ensure "No Weapons" clauses account for statutory exemptions granted to judicial officers to avoid breach of contract disputes.

Hiring/Training

  • Security Personnel: Front-line security staff must be retrained to identify valid judicial appointment paperwork. The previous requirement that visiting judges be appointed under specific sections (26.023 or 26.024) is void; staff must now accept *any* valid visiting judge appointment to county or probate courts.
  • Reception/Front Desk: Staff in law firms or arbitration centers must be trained on the updated exemption list to prevent friction with high-profile clients (judges) carrying firearms.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Incident Logs: Update security incident templates. If a firearm is detected and permitted based on this exemption, the log must cite the verification of the judicial credential, not just a standard LTC.

Fees & Costs

  • No Direct Fees: There are no new fees for businesses.
  • Operational Costs: Negligible administrative time required to update security manuals and training modules.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

Credential Verification Gap:

The law is effective September 1, 2025, but DPS may not immediately issue updated LTC cards with the "Judge" designator to this newly eligible group.

  • The Risk: A visiting judge may present a standard LTC card combined with court appointment paperwork.
  • The Ambiguity: Security guards are not attorneys and may struggle to interpret court appointment orders.
  • Guidance: Establish a clear escalation protocol. If a visitor claims this exemption but lacks the specific "Judicial" LTC card, security should verify the appointment paperwork with a designated compliance officer or legal counsel rather than summarily denying entry.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Jan 24, 2025
Passed Senate
Mar 12, 2025
Passed House
May 23, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Sep 1, 2025
TopicsCourtsCourts--county & StatutoryCourts--judgesWeapons
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Senate Authors

Sen. Angela PaxtonRepublican · Primary Author
Coauthors (1)

House Sponsor

Rep. Cole HefnerRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB890

Q

What does Texas SB890 do?

SB890 expands the statutory definition of "retired judicial officer" for License to Carry (LTC) eligibility, effectively broadening the class of individuals authorized to carry firearms in restricted areas. Entities controlling access to secure facilities—particularly courthouses, law firms, and government buildings—must update security screening protocols to recognize these new credentials, as the specific statutory limitations on visiting judges have been removed.

Q

Who authored SB890?

SB890 was authored by Texas Senator Angela Paxton during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB890 signed into law?

SB890 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB890?

SB890 is enforced by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Q

How significant are the changes in SB890?

The regulatory priority for SB890 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB890?

The cost impact of SB890 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB890 address?

SB890 addresses topics including courts, courts--county & statutory, courts--judges and weapons.

Q

What are the key dates for SB890?

Key dates for SB890: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026