S.123 - Handgun Permit to Purchase Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Handgun Permit to Purchase Act (S.123) aims to reduce gun violence by establishing a grant program to support states, local governments, and Indian tribes in developing and implementing handgun purchaser licensing requirements. The bill cites research indicating that handgun licensing laws are associated with reductions in firearm-related homicides and suicides. It also references the Supreme Court's decision to decline a challenge to Maryland's handgun licensing law.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide funding for states to implement stricter handgun licensing programs. This could lead to a decrease in gun violence and related deaths, as well as a reduction in the number of illegally obtained handguns. The grant program would incentivize states to adopt licensing laws that include background checks, age requirements, and periodic renewal of permits.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in gun violence and firearm-related deaths.
- Increased difficulty for prohibited individuals to obtain handguns.
- Improved tracking and regulation of handgun sales.
- Enhanced public safety through stricter licensing requirements.
- Support for states in implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential infringement on Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens.
- Increased costs and administrative burden for individuals seeking to purchase handguns.
- Possible delays in obtaining handgun permits.
- Concerns about data privacy and potential misuse of personal information collected during the licensing process.
- Potential for inconsistent application of licensing requirements across different states.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Second Amendment is a key consideration. While the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, this right is not unlimited. The Supreme Court has acknowledged the government's power to regulate firearms to some extent. The constitutionality of this bill would likely depend on whether the licensing requirements are deemed reasonable and do not unduly burden the right to bear arms. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, so the federal government must have a valid enumerated power to incentivize state action through grants.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).