AUSTIN (AP) - A report today says Texans are applying for concealed handgun licenses at a rate nearly 40 percent higher than a year ago.

The Houston Chronicle reports there's a backlog in new applications and permit renewals.

Handgun instructors point to factors ranging from the looming presidential election to newly strengthened privacy laws for Texas gun owners.

The Chronicle says Texas is taking one month longer than the 60 days allowed by law to process original applications. Renewals are going 80 days past the mandated 45-day period.

Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange says they're having delays because of the tremendous increase in applications.

Mange says DPS is paying overtime and hiring temporary workers to reduce the backlog.

Concealed handgun licenses in Texas face renewal every five years.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-05-08-08 1626EDT