Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09159
Lisa NemethOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed rule because they believe it would allow firearms dealers to avoid accountability for violations by claiming a lack of intent. They argue that the ATF should enforce stricter adherence to laws to ensure public safety.
I almost can’t believe it even needs to be said. Why is it that these shopkeepers are not doing their job, nor are they being held accountable? Why are we so far behind?
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.