Explosives Workers Get a Refreshed ATF Questionnaire

2026-21920, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022-Criteria for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) Background Checks of Firearm Handlers

Starting November 27, 2026, licensed gun sellers (FFLs) can voluntarily use the FBI’s background check system (NICS) to screen current or future employees who handle firearms. This new rule helps stop illegal gun sales and keeps communities safer without adding costs. It’s a smart step to make sure people working with guns are checked properly before they get the job.

2026-21923, Implementation of HAVANA Act of 2021

The Department of Justice is officially rolling out the HAVANA Act, which helps current and former DOJ employees and their families get payments if they suffered brain injuries on the job. This final rule, effective November 27, 2026, makes small tweaks to the process but keeps the main promise alive—support for those affected. No public comments changed the plan, so it’s full steam ahead with this important help!

2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority

If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!

2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act

The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.

2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms

The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

2026-15458, Civil Money Penalty for Actions in Contempt of an Immigration Judge's Proper Exercise of Authority

This notice of proposed rulemaking ("NPRM") would implement a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA" or "the Act") that authorizes Immigration Judges, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, to sanction by civil money penalty any action (or inaction) in contempt of the proper exercise of their authority by certain individuals. The rule would: define the scope of the contempt authority; provide procedures for contempt findings, penalty determinations, and penalty payment; establish an appellate process; and implement oversight of the use of contempt authority. The rule would also make conforming changes to the grounds for practitioner discipline.

Previous: 2026-22006, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Employee Polygraph Protection Act

The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on its paperwork related to the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, which stops most private employers from using lie detector tests. This affects private employers and some special government-related jobs. Comments are due by November 27, 2026, and penalties for breaking the rules may go up due to inflation adjustments.

Next: 2026-22009, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested; Revising a Previously Approved Collection; Title-Application for Explosives License/Permit-ATF Form 5400.13

The ATF is updating its application form for explosives licenses and permits (Form 5400.13) and wants your feedback by December 28, 2026. This affects anyone applying for or renewing explosives licenses, aiming to make the process clearer and easier without adding extra costs or delays. The agency is checking if the form works well and how much time it takes to fill out.