Defending Firearm Freedoms: NRA and Attorneys General Oppose ATF’s Controversial Proposal
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has strongly criticized a proposed rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which they argue could unfairly criminalize Americans for selling firearms. This proposal, according to the NRA, might lead to significant confusion among lawful gun owners regarding firearm transactions.
Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of NRA-ILA, expressed to Fox News Digital that the proposed rule, ATF2022R-17, represents an attack on Second Amendment rights. He believes it could unjustly target ordinary Americans participating in legal firearm transactions. Kozuch also pointed out that this rule ignores the implications of the NRA-backed Bruen ruling on the Second Amendment and could cause confusion among lawful gun owners involved in buying and selling firearms for various reasons, including collecting and self-defense.
The proposal, “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms,” seeks to revise the ATF’s regulations. It aims to expand the definition of “dealer” to include anyone who sells firearms or shows a willingness to engage in further firearm transactions. This expansion would align with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s definition, which President Biden signed into law in June 2022. The Act encourages states to implement red flag laws and extends background checks for individuals aged 18 to 21.
The NRA is concerned that the proposal might cause uncertainty about which firearm transactions require a federal firearms license. Kozuch suggests that the Biden administration should instead focus on enforcing existing laws and reforming policies, targeting actual criminals rather than law-abiding gun owners.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, seen as the most significant firearm legislation in nearly three decades, was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by President Biden. The ATF introduced this proposal in August and opened it for public comment from September 9 to December 7. The NRA, along with over 330,000 other groups and individuals, commented on the rule, emphasizing the potential confusion it could cause, especially for collectors and competitive shooters.
The NRA’s comment highlights that many of its members buy and sell firearms for lawful purposes, and this new rule could hinder their freedom to do so. The proposed rule, they argue, could lead to confusion about what transactions can occur without an FFL.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, leading a coalition of 26 attorneys general, condemned the proposal in a letter to the ATF on December 7. They described the rule as a shocking and unconstitutional attack on the Second Amendment. Knudsen’s office criticized the proposal for potentially criminalizing individuals who sell firearms without a federal license.
The NRA has praised the efforts of the Montana Republican and the coalition of AGs for their commitment to their oaths of office. They appreciate the efforts of these officials, including Knudsen, in actively fighting against the proposed rule, viewing it as a defense against federal intrusion on constitutional rights.
