That's wonderful (for Texans).

I also heard on the radio that new automation has already reduced the backlog of CHL applications in Texas from 8300 to 3400.

Of course, that could just mean that the software automatically rejects more applications.

Originally Posted by Bisley

I also heard on the radio that new automation has already reduced the backlog of CHL applications in Texas from 8300 to 3400.

AUSTIN, TX -- Texas has nearly wiped out a backlog of concealed handgun permit applications.

Department of Public Safety officials said Wednesday only 34 applications are considered late -- down from about 8,300 in August. The background check is now fully automated, and DPS hired temporary workers to help catch up.

New applications are supposed to be processed within 60 days, and renewals with 45 days. Both are currently running about 20 days, said Brad Rable, deputy director of DPS.

Rable says DPS has about 9,600 applications pending. DPS officials had blamed the delays in part on a surge in applications last year. Some cases took as long as four months.

By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Applications are considered late if they take longer than the 60 or 45 days.

From the TXDPS website:

Applicant Fingerprint processing delay notice:
TXDPS has been notified by the FBI that all Fingerprint based background checks will be temporarily suspended beginning April 28, 2010 - May 3, 2010. The FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) will be working with the U.S. Census Bureau to process more than 484,000 Fingerprints for Census Bureau workers.

Beginning May 4, 2010, TXDPS and the FBI will resume processing applicant fingerprints. It is important to note that the backlog of processing the fingerprint based background checks could take an additional two weeks. All applications will processed as quickly as possible once the FBI service returns to normal.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.