The Restricted Firearms License: A Proposal to Preserve Second Amendment Rights and Reduce Gun Violence in the United States

Abstract

In response to the growing national conversation about gun violence and gun control, we propose the establishment of a “Restricted Firearms License” (RFL) program, utilizing a background check similar to that instituted by the National Firearms Act, to license the ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weapons.

Our proposal examines the logistics of such a licensing program, as well as the efficacy of both the RFL and other alternative policy proposals, such as a renewal of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. We conclude that a licensing program is the only constitutional method for ensuring the effective regulation of all of the handguns and semi-automatics primarily responsible for gun violence in the U.S.

Keywords: Restricted Firearms License, RFL, Assault Weapons Ban, Assault Weapons, AWB, Firearms, Guns, Gun Control, Gun Violence, Gun Policy

JEL Classification: K23, K42, H56