TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has joined attorneys general from 22 other states in opposing a series of proposed firearms regulation changes by the Trump administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The coalition submitted multiple comment letters warning that the proposed regulatory changes would make it easier for prohibited individuals to obtain firearms, weaken law enforcement’s ability to trace crime guns, and reverse years of gun violence prevention efforts.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the ATF announced plans earlier this year to “reform” 34 firearms regulations. The coalition argues many of those proposals exceed the agency’s legal authority and conflict with federal law.
Coalition warns of public safety impacts
“ATF’s plan to deregulate firearms will put New Jerseyans at risk and erode the tremendous gains we have made in reducing gun violence over the past few years,” Davenport said.
She added, “In addition to endangering families simply going about their days, this effort to eviscerate sensible gun regulations will also imperil law enforcement and first responders, who regularly put themselves in harm’s way to protect or rescue us.”
The coalition argues the proposals would weaken background checks required under the Brady Act, loosen licensing requirements for gun dealers, reduce oversight of online firearm purchases, make it more difficult to revoke licenses from dealers who repeatedly violate federal law, and eliminate long-standing recordkeeping requirements used by investigators to trace firearms recovered in crimes.
Officials also expressed concern over proposals that would ease restrictions on importing military-style firearm parts, eliminate mandatory handgun safety notices displayed by licensed dealers, create uncertainty over regulations governing pistol stabilizing braces, and require destruction of firearm transaction records after 20 or 30 years instead of retaining them indefinitely.
Attorneys general challenge multiple proposed ATF changes
The coalition also warned that changes to ATF Form 4473—the federal document completed during firearm purchases—could make it harder for law enforcement to investigate crimes involving firearms.
Another proposal criticized by the states would narrow the federal definition used to prohibit certain individuals with serious mental illness from possessing firearms.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the ATF itself acknowledged in its analysis that the proposal could increase public safety risks, stating, “This risk may be minimal, or may be considerably greater (up to and including potential mass casualty events).”
The attorneys general also opposed proposed revisions to regulations under the National Firearms Act, which governs machine guns, silencers, and short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
Davenport co-led the effort with the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Maryland and New York. Attorneys general from 18 additional states and the District of Columbia joined all or portions of the comment letters submitted to the ATF.
Key Points
- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is co-leading a 23-state coalition opposing proposed ATF firearms regulation changes.
- The coalition says the proposals would weaken background checks, firearm tracing, and gun dealer oversight.
- The attorneys general submitted multiple comment letters urging the ATF to revise or withdraw the proposed rules.
FAQ
What is the coalition opposing?
A series of proposed ATF regulatory changes affecting firearms sales, licensing, background checks, recordkeeping, and enforcement.
Why do the attorneys general oppose the proposals?
They argue the changes would weaken public safety, make criminal investigations more difficult, and conflict with existing federal law.
Who is leading the effort?
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is co-leading the coalition with attorneys general from California, Illinois, Maryland, and New York.
How many states joined the coalition?
Twenty-three attorneys general participated in all or part of the effort.
What happens next?
The ATF will review public comments before deciding whether to finalize, modify, or withdraw the proposed regulations.
Source: New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is leading a multistate effort opposing proposed federal firearms regulation rollbacks that states say would weaken gun safety laws and hinder criminal investigations.
