I recently wrote my rep, Matt Rinaldi, as I have been proactive in making sure DPS gets the correct paperwork as the instructor made a mistake on it and did not initial the correction. I noticed it after I submitted the first time and have been trying to get it to them. I had to get the instructor to create a new one and resubmit. I supposedly did not get moved to the back of the line for it. It did take a month for them to get me the info to get it corrected. Without me contacting them repeatedly I would have been delayed. I specifically asked State Rep. Rinaldi what my recourse is and have yet to get a response.teuscher wrote:I submitted the following to all of the local TV stations for an investigation. Something fishy is going on in Austin ...
Investigation team,
I am writing regarding my experience with trying to get a license to carry a handgun (LTC) from the state of Texas. I experienced significant delays that extended beyond the timelines required by state statutes. In addition the Department of Public Safety (DPS) refuses to take phone calls or answer emails. I believe many others in Texas are suffering the same fate, and there is apparently no recourse for citizens who want to acquire a license to protect themselves, their families, and other citizens. I believe a story exposing these violations by our state government could lead to changes in the DPS.
Here are the specifics of my experience:
I completed my online application for LTC in December 2015. That included filling out the online form and paying the registration fee. I completed the required fingerprints the first week of January 2016. The fingerprints were submitted electronically to DPS. I completed my training course on January 30, 2016 and submitted my course completion certificate electronically to DPS on the same day (Jan 30, 2016).
According to the statute, the state has 60 days to review the application after all documents are submitted, or provide written explanation of any additional items needed for review. As of March 30th (60 days after submission), I had received NO communications from DPS. On April 1, 2016 I tried to call DPS using the contact number on the website. There was a recording that said that they were busy reviewing LTC applications and are unable to answer calls or accept voicemails. They suggested that application status could be verified online through the Regulatory Services Division (RSD). I visited the website and submitted a request for an update on my application. I received an automated email acknowledging the request, but I never received any status updates.
On April 6th, I sent messages to Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Senator Jane Nelson, and Representative Tan Parker. My message requested assistance with getting a response from DPS regarding the status of my application. On April 7th (today), Senator Jane Nelson's office contacted me and assured me that they would follow up with DPS and get a response. A few hours later I received a call from DPS that my application had been reviewed and that I should receive my license in 7-10 days.
I find it curious that my application just "happened" to be approved today. I am very concerned that the only reason my application was reviewed is because I reached out to my State representatives in frustration. I have a friend who had the same experience as I did. As soon as he complained to Senator Nelson, his application was magically reviewed and approved.
I believe that there are serious problems with the LTC division of DPS, and that these issues should be exposed. How many Texans are waiting for their LTC and their applications are not being reviewed because they don't call their State Senator? This appears to be a systemic abuse of citizens rights and failure of government to follow statute-mandated timelines.
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Search found 2 matches
- Fri Apr 08, 2016 2:41 pm
- Forum: The "Waiting Room"
- Topic: "Waiting Room"
- Replies: 6683
- Views: 1537211
Re: "Waiting Room"
- Wed Mar 23, 2016 2:09 pm
- Forum: The "Waiting Room"
- Topic: "Waiting Room"
- Replies: 6683
- Views: 1537211
Re: "Waiting Room"
There has to be a way to streamline this. If you file electronically, you would think the system could do the FACT check as it goes through. If your record is clean go to the front of the line. If you are like me, with a spotty childhood record, you need more verification. However, I uploaded certified copies of my background for them to have so I was very forward with them. I should get a bit of a slower pass, but after seeing my supporting documents lining up with my background, go to the front of the line. If you did not send supporting documents and there is a question, you get held until you send in supporting documents. The process seems to be a comedy of errors on both sides. You submit everything electronically and have the option to reply to the checklist email sent to you. Why could they not setup a similar process using an encrypted mail service. I have set these up for a lot of corporations. Change the website to show where in line you are. You are x of y in line. Or make it an endorsement on your DL. There are many ways that this process would be easier for the applicant and the DPS employees. They are making it difficult.