Provides an overview of how the firearm check procedures work in the various states to help in measuring the impact of the Brady ActÓ (PL 103-159, Handgun Control, Multiple Firearm Purchases, & Federal Firearms License Reform: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act). This document is based on a three part survey sent to all of the states in June 1995. This reports summarizes the Part A responses received from 40 states as well as verbal discussions the non-responding states had with interviewers. Each summary was sent to the state for review, & clarifying comments were used to adjust the summary.

Presents a state-by-state description of procedures & practices related to presale firearm background checks in effect in each of the 50 States as of the end of 1996. Information provided for each state reflects data provided by the State & includes: the source of information, additional restrictions on firearms purchase beyond the Brady Act requirements, limitations on firearms use, permits, handgun registration, scope of sales covered, background checks, information on the application, inquiry process, fees charged, State data, retention of applications, statistics maintained, current activity, & restoration of rights for felons.