Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

Summary#

This bill creates a competitive grant program to help States, units of local government, and Indian tribes develop, implement, and evaluate handgun purchaser licensing programs. It adds a new Part PP to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The Attorney General may award grants to eligible applicants once funds are appropriated. The bill defines a handgun by reference to federal statute and sets application and minimum eligibility rules for a qualifying licensing law.

What it means for you#

• If your State, locality, or tribe has or adopts a handgun purchaser licensing program that meets the bill's requirements, it can apply for federal grant money to set up or improve that program.
• To get a handgun purchaser license under an eligible program, an individual must be at least 21, be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, apply at a local law enforcement agency in the State where they live, submit fingerprints and photos, complete a background and criminal history check to ensure they are not barred under federal section 922(g), and reapply at least every 5 years.
• Individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under federal section 922(g) cannot be issued a handgun purchaser license.

Expenses#

The bill authorizes appropriations of "such sums as may be necessary" to carry out the new grant part. No specific funding amounts, budget estimates, or cost details are provided in the text.

Proponents' View#

The bill's findings cite research and data presented by the sponsors that handgun purchaser licensing laws have been associated with reductions in firearm homicides and suicides, reduced recovery of diverted handguns in some cities, and fewer firearms exported for criminal use to other States. The findings also note examples where repeal of such laws was associated with increases in firearm deaths. Supporters use these findings to justify federal grants to help implement licensing programs.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.