Gun Relief Shakeup: DOJ Revokes AG's ATF Authority
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Justice is officially stopping old rules about how the ATF handles certain gun law relief requests and is pulling back the Attorney General’s power to manage those cases. This change starts on March 20, 2025, and affects anyone involved in these specific firearms applications. No new costs or fees are expected, but the public can share their thoughts until June 18, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
AG Withdraws ATF Authority on 925(c) Relief
If you are involved in applications for relief from firearms disabilities under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), the Attorney General has withdrawn the delegation of authority that allowed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to adjudicate those individual applications and removed 27 CFR 478.144 effective March 20, 2025. The rule revises 28 CFR 0.130 to except 18 U.S.C. 925(c) from ATF authority, states the process in 27 CFR 478.144 will not be transferred to another agency, and notes no new costs or fees are expected; the public comment period ends June 18, 2025.
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