Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09159

I write to express my strong opposition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ “Defining Willfully for Firearm Violations” notice of proposed rulemaking (RIN 1140-AA88). It is important that gun shop owners and their employees know about and adhere to the laws on how to safely sell firearms to only those who should have them, with the larger goal of keeping us all safe. No small business owner should have to jump through hoops to keep their business open; however, there is a reasonable responsibility when people are selling guns that they know the laws and know how to adhere to them. This rule would allow shady dealers to break the law and claim it wasn’t willful, despite there being no effort to ensure the law is known and followed. The ATF should be working to keep Americans safe, not turning the other cheek when bad dealers break the law and allow firearms to be accessed by those who would do us harm. Profit has far too long been the number one motivator for the gun industry, with no regard for who the purchaser of the gun is. Too many people have died because gun shops who sold weapons to people with violent or criminal intent made no effort to check or vet their backgrounds. The sale was more important than the consequences of the sale. The ATF needs to actively regulate, monitor and supervise gun dealers on a regular basis. Thank you, Susan Castelli-Hill