Comment on FR Doc # 2026-08929
Anonymous AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: The commenter supports the proposed rule but argues that the retention period should be further reduced to five years. They contend that firearm trace data has little value for crimes occurring more than five years after a sale and that a shorter retention period would significantly reduce the burden on Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs).
Writing in support of RIN 1140-AA95. While a good start, teh ATF proposal does not go far enough. ATF's OWN "time to crime" (TTC) firearms trace data indicates there is relatively NO value in retaining data for trace purposes even as long as 20 years. The average TTC trends to around 5 years, and the TTC indicator for illegal trafficking involving purchase at an FFL via illegal sales such as straw purchases (rather than nearly random home theft where the trace data won't help because the theft victim isn't part of the criminal enterprise) is ONE YEAR OR LESS. A five year period (in line with the average TTC for most states) would be more than sufficient for ATF's legitimate law enforcement efforts, and not having to retain records for decades (under penalty of criminal charges if not complied with) would dramatically reduce an onerous burden on law abiding FFLs. Be honest, ATF - how many cases are SOLVED via trace data each year? Solved, as opposed to, "Well, we already knew who the criminal was, but we traced the gun because we had it."