Permit to Purchase: Proven to Save Lives

In the national debate over gun laws, we frequently hear calls for universal background checks, which would close loopholes that exist in some states . But another policy that goes a step further has stronger evidence behind it: permit-to purchase laws, or handgun purchaser licensing. We take a look at what these laws do, what the data says about them, and we’ll talk to some people who are hopeful that an expansion of permitting laws is on the horizon.