This bill would add a new federal license that people must have to buy, receive, or possess a firearm unless a State has a similar licensing system. The Attorney General would set up a system to issue these licenses. To get a license, a person must pass firearms safety training with a written test and hands-on firing test, submit fingerprints, proof of identity, and information about the firearm and seller. The Attorney General must do a background check and decide on an application within 30 days. Each license would be valid to purchase a single firearm within 30 days and would expire after 5 years. The Attorney General could deny or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee poses a significant danger of bodily injury to self or others, or if receiving the firearm would violate certain federal or State restrictions. People who are issued a license would be enrolled in the Rap Back service. The bill would also require private sellers to report firearm transfers to the Attorney General within 3 business days with identifying information. It adds a point-of-sale background check process that requires a licensed dealer to take possession of a firearm from an unlicensed transferor to run required checks. The bill makes it unlawful to sell or transfer a firearm to someone who has not had a qualifying license in the previous 30 days, unless the State has a substantially similar license program.
If you want to buy or possess a firearm, you would need a federal firearm purchasing license unless your State’s license program is judged substantially similar. You would need to complete safety training, pass a written test and a hands-on firing test, give fingerprints and ID, and provide details about the firearm and seller. Each license covers the purchase of one firearm and must be used within 30 days. The Attorney General would run background checks and could deny or revoke a license for safety or legal reasons. Private sellers must report transfers to the federal system within 3 business days. A licensed dealer would handle certain transfers to run point-of-sale checks.
No publicly available information on costs. The bill text does not include cost estimates or a budget for administration, training, or enforcement.
No publicly available information on proponents' statements or arguments is included in the bill text. The bill text shows who sponsored it but does not include supporters' explanations.
No publicly available information on opponents' statements or arguments is included in the bill text. The bill text itself does not provide opposing views.