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The Trump administration is rolling back more than three dozen federal firearms regulations, ending a zero-tolerance policy for gun dealers, easing restrictions on stabilizing braces, and proposing changes that could allow some people with a history of mental illness to purchase firearms.
Officials describe the effort as the most extensive overhaul of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations in the agency’s history.
The changes follow President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14206 on Second Amendment rights. The regulatory package was formally launched April 29, when Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and newly confirmed ATF Director Robert Cekada announced 34 final and proposed rule changes. Cekada was confirmed by the Senate earlier that day and approved the package shortly after taking office.
Among the changes, the administration is raising the legal standard for revoking a federally licensed firearms dealer’s license by requiring evidence that a dealer knowingly violated the law.
The package also formally rescinds the Biden administration’s pistol brace rule, which has already been blocked in much of the country by federal courts, and narrows the previous administration’s “engaged in the business” rule, which sought to require more gun show and online firearms sellers to conduct background checks.
Additional proposals would allow some Americans previously prohibited from purchasing firearms because of certain mental health findings or financial guardianship determinations to regain eligibility.
On Friday, the ATF proposed further changes to simplify fingerprinting requirements under the National Firearms Act. Under the proposal, applicants would submit one fingerprint card instead of two and could verify their identity with a photo ID rather than a passport-style photograph. The proposal is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on July 6, beginning a public comment period through Oct. 5.
The administration has also expanded its legal challenges to state firearm laws.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department filed lawsuits against California over Assembly Bill 1127, which restricts sales of certain Glock-style pistols that officials say can be converted to fully automatic fire, and the state’s Handgun Roster, which limits handgun models that may be sold.
The department also sued Virginia and the Virginia State Police over Senate Bill 749, which prohibits the sale or transfer of AR-15-style rifles and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds. Similar challenges were previously filed against semiautomatic rifle restrictions in the District of Columbia and Colorado.