S. 123 — Handgun Permit to Purchase Act

This section states 11 congressional findings on gun violence and handgun purchaser licensing laws, including that gun violence killed 46,728 people in 2023; 90% of specified firearm violence from 2018-2022 involved handguns, resulting in 35,959 handgun deaths; and multiple studies associating such licensing laws with reductions in firearm homicides (e.g., 27.8% in Connecticut post-1995, 11% in urban counties from 1984-2015) and suicides (e.g., 32.8% in Connecticut), as well as fewer mass shootings, while repeals increased them (e.g., 47.3% homicide rise in Missouri post-2007).

This section establishes a competitive grant program (Part PP, added to Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968) authorizing the Attorney General to award funds to states, units of local government, and Indian tribes for developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving handgun purchaser licensing programs that meet specified requirements. Qualifying programs require applicants to (1) be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident; (2) apply at a law enforcement agency in their state of residence; (3) submit fingerprints and photos for a state background check and criminal history review, at minimum ensuring no firearm prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. 922(g); and (4) reapply no less frequently than every five years, with no licenses issued to prohibited persons. Grants must be awarded within 90 days of appropriation, and funds must be used to improve such programs. This section also authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary to carry out the program (new para. (29) to 34 U.S.C. 10261(a)).