Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

The Handgun Permit to Purchase Act establishes a federal grant program to help states, local governments, and tribes develop or improve handgun purchaser licensing systems. These licensing systems would require background checks to prevent people banned from owning firearms under federal law from purchasing handguns, along with minimum age (21+), residency verification, and reapplication every five years. The bill cites research showing that such licensing laws are linked to reduced gun homicides and suicides in states like Connecticut and Maryland. The grant program is competitive and requires applicants to already have a licensing law meeting specific standards before receiving funding.