The U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced significant policy changes on April 7. The agencies have decided to repeal the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy and evaluate two final rules related to firearms.
The Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy, also known as the “Zero Tolerance” policy, was introduced in 2021. It imposed stricter guidelines for industry operations compliance inspections targeting licensees with specific violations. “As of today (April 7), this policy will be repealed, and Industry Operations inspections will no longer be held to these previously set guidelines,” the ATF release stated.
The Department of Justice and ATF will also review final rule 2021R-08F concerning stabilizing braces and final rule 2022R-17F related to the definition of “engaging in the business” of firearms dealing. “This Department of Justice believes that the 2nd Amendment is not a second-class right,” U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed in the release. She criticized the previous administration’s policy as unfairly targeting law-abiding gun owners and creating unnecessary burdens.
Acting ATF Director Kash Patel noted, “Today’s repeal of the Zero Tolerance Policy and the comprehensive review of stabilizing brace regulations and the definition of ‘engaged in the business’ marks a pivotal step toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation.” He emphasized the commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure balanced, constitutional, and protective policies for Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
The review of the rule concerning stabilizing braces aims to assess the reclassification of certain firearms as short-barreled rifles. Additionally, alterations to guidelines determining who qualifies as “engaged in the business” of selling firearms are being reconsidered. The agencies plan an in-depth review, consulting with stakeholders like gun rights organizations, industry leaders, and legal experts.
Further updates on the progress of these reviews will be communicated in the future.
