MASS Act Ties Federal Grants to Mandatory Firearms Licensing, Safety Training, and Local Police Approval

The Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2025 (MASS Act) doesn't directly mandate federal gun licensing, but it takes a major step in that direction. This bill sets up a federal grant program, managed by the Assistant Attorney General, that incentivizes states to establish comprehensive, strict licensing systems for anyone who wants to buy, possess, or even rent a firearm or ammunition. If a state wants that federal cash, it has to completely overhaul its system to meet a long list of federal requirements, including mandatory safety training for first-time applicants and the requirement that local police chiefs sign off on who is "suitable" to own a gun.

The New Gatekeeper: Your Local Police Chief

For states that opt into the program, the biggest change is the shift in authority. Currently, background checks are handled federally through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Under the MASS Act, the local police chief (or a designated local officer) becomes the primary licensing authority. This authority must conduct a "thorough background check" that goes beyond just checking criminal records. It can include interviewing the applicant or requiring reference letters to confirm the applicant is of "sound mind and character." Crucially, the authority must make a formal determination that the applicant is "suitable" and doesn't pose a risk to public safety. For a busy person, this means applying for a license could become a much longer, more invasive process that relies heavily on the discretion of local law enforcement.

Your Right to Possess Becomes Conditional

This bill makes possession conditional on holding a valid license. Section 2 states that anyone buying, possessing, or renting a firearm or ammunition must have a valid license “at that exact moment and throughout the entire time they own or possess the item.” This is a significant change. If you’re a law-abiding gun owner in a participating state, you’ll need to complete safety training and get this new license just to keep what you already have. Furthermore, if that license is denied or revoked—for instance, if you become subject to a new Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)—you are required to immediately surrender or transfer all your firearms and ammunition. The bill requires states to set up a process where family members who fear someone is a danger can petition a court for one of these ERPOs.

Small Sellers and Mandatory Reporting

The MASS Act also tightens the rules for sellers. While the bill mainly focuses on individual licensing, it also requires participating states to mandate dealer licenses for anyone selling, renting, or leasing more than a state-set minimum number of firearms per year (which can’t be more than 10). This means a state could set the threshold low, forcing small-scale private sellers or collectors who occasionally sell a few guns to get a full dealer license, complete with requirements for permanent business locations, record inspections, and employee background checks. On top of that, all licensees—individuals and dealers—must report lost or stolen firearms and ammunition to state authorities within a reasonable time, creating a new layer of accountability for possession.