Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09159
Mark HoudasheltOpposeIndividual
Summary: Mark Houdashelt opposes the proposed rule to define "willfully" for firearms violations, arguing that it would allow gun dealers to avoid prosecution for non-compliance. He suggests that gun shop owners should be held responsible for ensuring their employees know and follow the law to keep the public safe.
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).
Gun shop owners should be required to train their employees about and make them adhere to the laws on how to safely sell firearms to only those who should have them. 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.
The ATF should focus on keeping Americans safe, not protecting shady gun shop owners from prosecution.
Thank you,
Mark Houdashelt