opinion on how long.....

[TLS1976]

I started the process on 11-17-8 to get my CHL.
I know that I was delayed by not signing the back of a photo, but after speaking with DPS, I was informed that my "start date" was 1-8-9. As of today they've been processing my app for 62 days. So...the question is:
How long should I wait before I contact my State Rep.?

[LarryH]

tomorrow -- it's kind of late to try today

[TLS1976]

OK, i could wait no longer. I shot an e-mail to Kevin Brady (state rep.) and to Rob Eissler (state rep.)......
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Mr. Eissler,

I am writing in regards to the current practices of the Texas DPS on the issue of concealed handgun licensing.
Let me begin by relaying my experience to you.

I first applied for my CHL last year in November. All paperwork was filled out according to my instructor’s specification and mailed in on 11/17/08.
After waiting approximately one month, I received a letter from the DPS stating that I need to sign the back of a photo and return it. I did so and put the signed photo in the mail in December of 2008. After waiting the 60 days, as prescribed by the statute on this matter, I called the DPS off to inquire about the status of my application. They informed me that they had, in fact received my photo, and that my application was complete and sent to processing as of January 8th of 2009. Today, my application has been in processing for 62 days.

The following was copied directly from the book:
*********************************************************************************
GC 5411.177. ISSUANCE OR DENIAL OF LICENSE. (a) The
department shall issue a license to carry a concealed handgun to an
applicant if the applicant meets all the eligibility requirements and
submits all the application materials. The department may issue a
license to carry handguns only of the categories indicated on the applicant's
certificate of proficiency issued under Section 411.189. The
department shall administer the licensing procedures in good faith so
that any applicant who meets all the eligibility requirements and
submits all the application materials shall receive a license. The
department may not deny an application on the basis of a capricious or
arbitrary decision by the department.
(b) The department shall, not later than the 60th day after the date
of the receipt by the director's designee of the completed application
materials:
(1) issue the license;
(2) notify the applicant in writing that the application was denied:
(A) on the grounds that the applicant failed to qualify under the
criteria listed in Section 411.172;
(B) based on the affidavit of the director's designee submitted
to the department under Section 411.176(b); or
(C) based on the affidavit of the qualified handgun instructor
submitted to the department under Section 411.189(c); or
(3) notify the applicant in writing that the department is unable to
make a determination regarding the issuance or denial of a license to
the applicant within the 60-day period prescribed by this subsection
and include in that notification an explanation of the reason for the
inability and an estimation of the amount of time the department will
need to make the determination.
************************************************************************************
As I said, I have been in processing for 62 days, and have not yet received an approval, denial, or a reason for the delay.
It would appear that The DPS does not adhere to their laws and regulations.

Several of my friends recommended that I write to you about this. Not only in pursuit of my CHL, but for all the law abiding Texans who are waiting for DPS to follow the law of the land, and issue licenses that allow them to protect themselves, and their families.

I would like to thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide on this matter.
Sincerely,
***************************************************************************************************************************************
I guess we will see what kind of response I get.
What say you, TexasCHLforum? Good or bad?

[WEC]

That's one way of getting attention brought to your application. I foresee that a status letter may be coming your way anyway, but it's definitely worth contacting your state reps. I see that you live in The Woodlands, so you're still in the Harris County sphere of influence. I think things were starting to get better. Hope you get your plastic soon!

[TLS1976]

just an update.....

I put in a call to Senator Williams' office, and John Cornyn's office.
The lady at Mr. Willaims office was VERY nice, and said she would put in a few call to see if she could expidite the issue.
Guess we'll see...

[sig229fan]

Has there ever been a post on the location of the applicant v/s time? In November when my application went through there were two of us from Tarrant County that made the trip at light speed. Others from the same month still wait for the good news......

[TLS1976]

I have not seen a thread on location vs. wait time, but it seems to be all over the place. I have a friend in Harris county that had his within 55 days, and another in Harris county that has been waiting since early December and still hasn't recieved the plastic.
DPS claims that applicants on or near the gulf coast will experience longer wait times.

However, I just got off the phone with DPS (they called me this time) and I was told that they have not recieved my background check from Harris county yet. She said they would call the agency handling the background check today and try to expidite.

I am actually kinda suprised that they called. It would seem that all the complaining I did to my state reps and senators had some effect. Oh well, back to waiting...

[Morgan]

Has there ever been a post on the location of the applicant v/s time? In November when my application went through there were two of us from Tarrant County that made the trip at light speed. Others from the same month still wait for the good news......

Yeah, Sig229fan and I are in neighboring DFW counties, and we were through in lickyety-split time... under 40 days.

I really feel for y'all down there.

[quoheleth]

I put in a call to Senator Williams' office, and John Cornyn's office.

I can understand Sen. Williams, as he's in the State Legislature.

Why Sen. Cornyn? He's our US Senator.

Just curious...

Q

[TLS1976]

i just figured why not......

[stevie_d_64]

i just figured why not......

I agree, why not...John Cornyn works for us...He may be up in D.C. but he still works for Texas...

The letter was very good, explained the situation, and provided the proper "state" statute...Senator Cornyn still has a lot of supporters and friends in the legislature, and a lot of us appreciate the things he does for us here...

How is he really going to know if there are problems if you don't at least try to get his attention on stuff like this...That is true for any elected official...

I always try to keep an eye out for stuff that they do right, and I let them know about that as well, and thank them for doing the right thing on issues...

Just my opinion...

[TLS1976]

another update..........

I just recieved another call from DPS about 5 minutes ago. They said the lisence has been issued and will be sent overnite She said I should have it tomorrow.

Checked the website and it still says "processing" though.

[TLS1976]

plastic in hand

[LarryH]

congratulations