Relating to the approval of organizations that may certify persons to offer handgun safety training courses

This bill relates to the approval of organizations that may certify individuals to offer a handgun safety training course. Current law requires an applicant for an initial permit to carry weapons to demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety. An applicant may demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety by, among other methods, completing any national rifle association handgun safety training course or completing any handgun safety training course available to the general public offered by certain entities that utilize an instructor certified by the national rifle association. The bill requires the department of public safety (department) to adopt rules to approve organizations that may certify an individual as an instructor eligible to offer certain handgun safety training courses. The rules shall require a handgun safety training instructor to apply to the organization for recertification at least once every five years. The rules shall also require the department to charge a fee to cover the costs necessary to maintain a list of approved organizations and a list of certified instructors. The bill requires the department to maintain on the department’s internet site applications for an organization to receive approval to certify and recertify handgun safety training instructors, a list of approved organizations that certify handgun safety training instructors, a list of certified instructors, and general information relating to permits to carry weapons, firearm safety, and training opportunities currently available to the public.