This bill would set up a federal grant program to help states, local governments, and tribal nations create or improve licensing systems for people who want to buy a handgun. To get funding, a state must have a law that requires a license to purchase a handgun and meets certain minimum rules. The bill cites research linking these licensing laws to lower gun homicides and suicides.

• Who is affected: States, cities and counties, and Indian tribes that choose to run a handgun licensing program; residents who want to buy a handgun in those places.
• What changes: The Attorney General can award competitive grants to develop, run, or evaluate handgun purchase licensing programs, and the money must be used to improve the program.
• When: After Congress provides money, grants must be awarded within 90 days.
• Key license rules to qualify for grants: at least age 21; U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; apply at a law enforcement agency in your state; renew every five years or less; pass a background check and provide fingerprints and photos; people barred under federal law from having a gun cannot get a license.
• Funding: Authorizes whatever amounts are needed to run the program.