Bill Overview
Title: Blair Holt Firearm Owner Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes new requirements and restrictions with respect to the sale, transfer, and possession of firearms. Among the requirements, the bill generally requires owners of certain firearms—handguns and semiautomatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable ammunition feeding device—to obtain a license, and establishes background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties.
Sponsors: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by firearm licensing and transfer regulations globally
Estimated Size: 120000000
- The bill affects firearm owners who possess handguns and semiautomatic rifles with detachable ammunition feeding devices.
- The bill impacts individuals seeking to purchase or transfer ownership of the specified types of firearms as they now need to obtain a license or undergo a background check.
- Firearm dealers and private sellers will also be impacted as they must comply with new requirements and restrictions during the sale and transfer processes.
- While the bill specifically targets owners and purchasers of certain firearms, it indirectly affects communities and areas where these firearms are common, given the potential changes in firearm accessibility.
Reasoning
- The Blair Holt Firearm Owner Licensing and Record of Sale Act targets a specific subset of firearm owners, primarily those owning handguns and semiautomatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable ammunition feeding device.
- The policy's budget is modest relative to the size of the US population; thus, it focuses on creating and maintaining a licensing system and enforcing background checks.
- Individuals impacted vary from firearm enthusiasts to those moderately involved due to ownership requirements, to non-impact on those neither owning nor planning to purchase firearms.
- Demographics such as rural versus urban residents may experience different impacts. Rural residents often have a higher rate of gun ownership, potentially feeling more affected.
- The current US political climate may influence opinions on the policy, as gun legislation is a polarizing issue.
- The interviews capture both direct impacts on individuals who must comply with the licensing and transfer requirements and indirect impacts on the broader community.
Simulated Interviews
Rancher (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the need for safety but this adds more hoops for law-abiding citizens.
- In rural areas, we rely on firearms for various purposes, not just defense.
- I worry about delayed access during an emergency because of these licenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Police Officer (California)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could make communities safer by ensuring responsible ownership.
- I believe law enforcement will see benefits in managing firearm-related incidents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Gun Shop Owner (Ohio)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's going to complicate my business with more paperwork and possibly reduce sales.
- There's a risk this might drive customers underground or to other states.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I won't be directly affected, but I'm glad new owners will need checks.
- As a society, increased safety is worth the extra checks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (New York)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I won't be affected personally, I hope this policy reduces campus violence.
- More responsible ownership could prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Hunter (Nebraska)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hunting and competition guns are part of my lifestyle, this doesn't change much.
- I do think professional ownership checks can cut down on illegal access.
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 | 10 | 8 |
School Teacher (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any step towards making schools safer for our children is positive.
- I believe this policy helps keep firearms with those who are trained and responsible.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Commercial Fisherman (Alaska)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Local enforcement of these policies could be challenging in remote areas.
- May lead to an undue burden if access to licenses isn't easy.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Software Engineer (Michigan)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Unlikely to be directly impacted but supports measures for safer community environments.
- Believes rigorous checks are vital for maintaining order and safety.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Firearm Instructor (Arizona)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My courses focus on safety, and licensing aligns with this message.
- My students might face more administrative hurdles.
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 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $220000000)
Year 5: $160000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $210000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $150000000)
Key Considerations
- The administrative and operational costs of implementing a national licensing system for firearms.
- Potential changes in gun ownership and sales dynamics as individuals comply with new licensing requirements.
- Impact of compliance and licensing on communities with high firearm ownership and sales.