The Restricted Firearms License: A Proposal to Preserve Second Amendment Rights and Reduce Gun Violence in the United States
14 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2013 Last revised: 15 May 2013
Date Written: January 9, 2013
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
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation