Relating to a handgun safety course required for the transfer of a handgun.

HB 1599 requires that before selling, renting, leasing, loaning, or giving a handgun to another person, the transferor must verify the recipient has a valid certificate of completion from a handgun safety course. The Texas Department of Public Safety will establish minimum course standards and issue certificates to individuals who complete a course taught by a qualified instructor. This law applies to all handgun transfers, including private sales between individuals, and replaces current verification processes. The bill amends the Penal Code to make this verification a mandatory step for lawful transfers.