The bill would create competitive grants for states, local governments, and Indian tribes to develop, carry out, or evaluate handgun purchaser licensing programs. To qualify, a jurisdiction must have a licensing law in effect that meets the bill’s minimum requirements. Applicants must be at least 21, be a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident, apply through a law enforcement agency in their state of residence, and renew their license at least every five years. They must also undergo a background and criminal history check, submit fingerprints and photographs, and not be barred from possessing a firearm under federal law.
The bill would not require every jurisdiction to adopt a handgun licensing law. If a jurisdiction has a qualifying law and receives a grant, its law may require you to get a permit before buying a handgun. The bill does not describe the details of each jurisdiction’s licensing process beyond its minimum requirements.
The bill authorizes Congress to provide amounts it considers necessary for the grant program. It does not set a specific funding amount.
The bill’s findings cite research associating handgun purchaser licensing laws with lower firearm homicide and suicide rates and fewer firearms diverted for criminal use. These are findings cited in the bill, not guaranteed outcomes of the grant program.
No publicly available information.