The Need for Firearm Purchaser Licensing Laws

Recent studies reveal that Firearm Purchaser Licensing laws, which mandate a thorough application process for gun buyers, significantly reduce rates of firearm-related homicides and suicides. For instance, Connecticut’s licensing law is linked to a remarkable 28% drop in firearm homicides and a 33% decrease in suicides over 22 years, showing tangible evidence of the law’s effectiveness in preventing gun violence.

Despite these benefits, many loopholes in existing federal background check laws allow prohibited individuals to acquire firearms through private sales and gun shows. Advocates emphasize that enhancing state-level licensing requirements can effectively close these gaps, thereby protecting both the community and law enforcement from gun-related incidents.

Read full story at publichealth.jhu.edu