Poster #38 - Do Permit-to-Purchase Laws Save Lives? A Nationwide Analysis

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

Firearm fatalities have remained a leading cause of death among adults and children in the United States for several decades. While much research has examined the effects of popular gun control legislative tactics (i.e., background checks and permitting), empirical research has yet to explore the potential differential impact that permit-to-purchase laws have on firearm homicide rates across all 50 U.S. states. Permit-to-purchase legislation (PTP) requires individuals to apply for and obtain a license from the authorizing law enforcement agency before legally purchasing a firearm. These laws aim to further prevent individuals with disqualifying criminal records or mental health histories from acquiring firearms. This study investigates the effect of PTP on annual counts of homicide in the United States from 1991 to 2019. Negative binomial regressions (NBR) with fixed effects and generalized estimating equations (GEE) indicate a significant negative association of PTP on homicide rates. This finding aligns with the results of previous regional studies. These results show that lawmakers should continue to push forward PTP laws in efforts to reduce homicide rates across the nation.

Author

• Jessica Arthur, Florida State University