Bill > HR532

This bill establishes a federal grant program to support and incentivize state, local, and tribal handgun purchaser licensing programs. The bill cites extensive research showing that such licensing programs can significantly reduce gun violence, including findings that these laws are associated with substantial reductions in firearm homicides and suicides. The grant program would provide competitive funding to jurisdictions that implement comprehensive handgun licensing requirements, which must include specific provisions such as: applicants being at least 21 years old, applying through local law enforcement, undergoing background investigations and criminal history checks, submitting fingerprints and photographs, and reapplying for the license every five years. Notably, individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law would be ineligible for a handgun purchasing license. The bill highlights that states with existing handgun licensing laws have seen marked decreases in gun-related crimes, and many firearms used in crimes originate in states without such licensing programs. By offering federal grants, the bill aims to encourage broader adoption of handgun purchaser licensing laws across the United States as a strategy to reduce gun violence.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/532/all-info