Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

This bill sets up a federal grant program to help states, local governments, and tribal governments create, run, and improve handgun buyer licensing systems. The Attorney General would award competitive grants, starting no later than 90 days after money is approved for the program. Applicants must already have a law that requires a license for any handgun purchase and must explain how the grant will strengthen that system. Funds must be used to improve licensing programs, and Congress authorizes whatever money is needed to run it. The bill’s goal is tied to research the bill cites showing that handgun licensing laws are linked to fewer gun homicides and suicides, and fewer mass shooting deaths. It also notes that many crime guns flow from states without such laws and that a recent court decision allowed Maryland’s handgun licensing law to stand by leaving a lower-court ruling in place .

To qualify for these grants, a state, local government, or tribe must have a licensing law with basic rules for buyers: be at least 21; be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; apply at a law enforcement agency in your state; renew the license at least every five years; pass a background check to confirm you are not barred by federal law from having a gun; and provide fingerprints and photos. People who are prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm cannot receive a handgun purchasing license under such programs.

• Who is affected: States, local governments, and tribes that choose to run handgun licensing programs; people who want to buy a handgun in those places.
• What changes: A new federal grant program to support licensing; clear minimum features for eligible licensing laws; funds must be used to improve these programs .
• When: Once money is appropriated, grants must start going out within 90 days.