Bill Overview
Title: State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants to states and tribal governments for the development, implementation, improvement, or evaluation of firearms dealer licensing programs.
Sponsors: Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Target Audience
Population: State firearm dealers and related regulatory personnel
Estimated Size: 64000
- The bill affects firearm dealers and those involved in the licensing process.
- Firearm dealers are directly impacted as the bill pertains to their licensing requirements.
- State and tribal regulatory agencies will also be affected due to changes in their operations or programs.
- The bill aims to influence state and tribal governments, suggesting a broader impact on their administrative functions.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed at enhancing firearms dealer licensing programs, which primarily affects firearms dealers and regulatory personnel.
- The impact on individual wellbeing largely depends on one's position related to the firearms industry.
- Dealers may experience changes due to enhanced regulatory requirements, potentially influencing their business operations.
- Regulatory personnel may face adjustments in their roles to accommodate new licensing standards.
- Considering the budget constraints, the implementation might focus on key states or areas with higher numbers of firearms dealers.
Simulated Interviews
Firearm Dealer (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe stricter licensing could help ensure responsible sales.
- Initial costs might be burdensome for my small shop.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
State Regulatory Agent (Kentucky)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would expand our oversight capabilities significantly.
- It could lead to job security and growth in our department.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tribal Government Official (Montana)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This grant could help improve our tribal law enforcement infrastructure.
- I am concerned about sustainability after the grant funds run out.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Police Officer (California)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stricter dealer licensing is imperative for public safety.
- I doubt the funding will be enough to see long-term effects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Firearm Dealer (New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This may complicate the online business due to more regulations.
- We will adapt if it becomes mandatory.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
State Licensing Director (Georgia)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will greatly assist in modernizing our processes.
- However, implementation will depend on proper management of funds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Urban Firearm Dealer (Michigan)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased costs from licensing could hurt business.
- However, improved oversight is necessary for trust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Independent Firearms Instructor (Arizona)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect only minor changes regarding how businesses operate.
- The licensing enhancements might lead to long-term benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Firearms Safety Advocate (Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced dealer licensing ensures that firearms are handled responsibly.
- The effectiveness depends on how well funds are utilized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tribal Law Enforcement Officer (North Dakota)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having proper licensing frameworks can lead to better safety in the community.
- I hope this addresses illegal sales effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $31000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $36000000)
Year 3: $32000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $37000000)
Year 5: $34000000 (Low: $29000000, High: $39000000)
Year 10: $38000000 (Low: $33000000, High: $43000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $43000000, High: $57000000)
Key Considerations
- Targeted assistance is directed to states and tribal governments, allowing for varied uptake and differing levels of impact.
- The bill is aimed at improving regulatory mechanisms, indirectly affecting compliance and safety in firearm transactions.
- Cost estimates depend significantly on the scope and scale of states' existing infrastructure and willingness to apply.