Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

The Handgun Permit to Purchase Act creates a federal grant program to help states, local governments, and Indian tribes develop, implement, and evaluate handgun purchaser licensing programs. To qualify, applicants must already have a law requiring a license for handgun purchases that includes background checks, a minimum age of 21, and other specific requirements (such as fingerprinting and criminal history checks). Grant funds can be used to improve these licensing systems, which aim to ensure only eligible individuals can purchase handguns. The bill cites research showing states with similar laws, like Connecticut and Massachusetts, experienced significant reductions in firearm homicides and suicides.