Relating to the age at which a person not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun or is eligible for a license to carry a handgun.

HB 2470 would lower the minimum age to obtain a Texas license to carry a handgun from 21 to 18 years old, directly affecting responsible individuals aged 18-20 who are otherwise eligible under state and federal law. The bill amends Section 411.172(a)(2) of the Government Code to remove the current 21-year requirement, aligning with a federal court ruling that found the prior age limit unconstitutional for this age group. It maintains existing prohibitions, meaning individuals with felony convictions, fugitives, or other disqualifiers would still not qualify. The bill does not change firearm possession rules for those under 18 or alter other eligibility criteria like criminal history.