Legis Daily

Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

USA119th CongressS-123| Senate 
| Updated: 1/16/2025
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (2)
Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill authorizes a new federal grant program, to be administered by the Attorney General, aimed at assisting States, units of local government, and Indian tribes in developing, implementing, and evaluating handgun purchaser licensing requirements. The legislation highlights findings that gun violence, particularly involving handguns, is a significant issue, and that research indicates handgun purchaser licensing laws are associated with significant reductions in firearm-related homicides and suicides. The grant program is established under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, with funds to be awarded on a competitive basis. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must have an existing handgun purchaser licensing law that meets specific federal criteria. These funds are intended to improve the effectiveness of the recipient's handgun purchaser licensing program. Key eligibility requirements for the licensing laws include mandating that individuals applying for a handgun license must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident. Applicants must apply at a law enforcement agency in their state of residence and reapply for the license at least every five years . Furthermore, the licensing process must include a background investigation , a criminal history check to ensure the individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm, and the submission of fingerprints and photographs . Individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law are explicitly barred from receiving a handgun purchasing license or permit.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-117
Handgun Permit to Purchase Act
Jan 16, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-532
Introduced in House
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 16, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-117
    Handgun Permit to Purchase Act


  • January 16, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-532
    Introduced in House


  • January 16, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 16, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-532: Handgun Permit to Purchase Act
Criminal justice information and recordsFirearms and explosivesLaw enforcement administration and fundingLicensing and registrations

Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

USA119th CongressS-123| Senate 
| Updated: 1/16/2025
This bill authorizes a new federal grant program, to be administered by the Attorney General, aimed at assisting States, units of local government, and Indian tribes in developing, implementing, and evaluating handgun purchaser licensing requirements. The legislation highlights findings that gun violence, particularly involving handguns, is a significant issue, and that research indicates handgun purchaser licensing laws are associated with significant reductions in firearm-related homicides and suicides. The grant program is established under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, with funds to be awarded on a competitive basis. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must have an existing handgun purchaser licensing law that meets specific federal criteria. These funds are intended to improve the effectiveness of the recipient's handgun purchaser licensing program. Key eligibility requirements for the licensing laws include mandating that individuals applying for a handgun license must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident. Applicants must apply at a law enforcement agency in their state of residence and reapply for the license at least every five years . Furthermore, the licensing process must include a background investigation , a criminal history check to ensure the individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm, and the submission of fingerprints and photographs . Individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law are explicitly barred from receiving a handgun purchasing license or permit.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-117
Handgun Permit to Purchase Act
Jan 16, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-532
Introduced in House
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 16, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-117
    Handgun Permit to Purchase Act


  • January 16, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-532
    Introduced in House


  • January 16, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 16, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (2)
Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-532: Handgun Permit to Purchase Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Criminal justice information and recordsFirearms and explosivesLaw enforcement administration and fundingLicensing and registrations