H134 - Pistol Permit/Mental Health Record to Sheriff

• Repeals the requirement that applicants for pistol permits submit a signed mental health records release form with their application.

• Allows sheriffs to request disclosure of court orders concerning an applicant's mental health or mental capacity at the sheriff's discretion for determining permit eligibility.

• Requires the permit application to include a conspicuous warning that filing authorizes the sheriff to obtain all criminal and mental health court orders needed to determine permit eligibility.

• Amends mental health confidentiality law to require holders of mental health court orders to release those records to the sheriff upon request when a sheriff notifies them an individual has applied for a pistol permit.

• Becomes effective August 1, 2017, and applies to pistol permit applications pending or submitted on or after that date.