Applications would, however, screen out those persons who are already barred from possessing explosives, such as convicted felons, and fingerprinting and photographs would circumvent attempts at fraud. Since each permit lasts for three years, this cost is less than many other licenses required of sportsmen and businesses. Licenses are required for anyone wishing to sell explosives. The Brady Law established a national computerized background check to investigate criminal records. This section allows ATF to use the system to check permit applications quickly.
Smokeless powder is completely exempt in any quantity.
In recent years, about one-third of criminal bombs have been made out of black or smokeless powder. Fifty pounds of black powder is enough to unleash substantial destruction. This bill requires permits for possession of black powder or smokeless powder in quantities over five pounds. These limited requirements will allow ATF to effectively investigate black powder bombings, without burdening legitimate users. For example, five pounds of black powder is enough to reload about 750 shotgun shells.