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To reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
2/6/2025, 9:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 624
One of the key provisions of the bill is to require the ATF to submit an annual report to Congress detailing its activities, expenditures, and performance metrics. This increased transparency is intended to ensure that the agency is accountable to the American people and Congress.
Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline the ATF's regulatory processes and improve coordination with other law enforcement agencies. This includes establishing a process for the expedited review of applications for firearms licenses and permits, as well as enhancing information sharing between the ATF and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to strengthen the ATF's ability to combat illegal firearms trafficking and prevent the diversion of firearms to criminal organizations. This includes increasing penalties for individuals who knowingly provide false information on firearms applications and enhancing the ATF's ability to investigate and prosecute firearms trafficking offenses. Overall, Bill 119 HR 624 aims to reform the ATF in order to improve its effectiveness, accountability, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies. The bill is currently being debated in Congress, and its ultimate fate will depend on the support it receives from lawmakers.
Congressional Summary of HR 624
Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025 or the RIFLE Act of 2025
This bill revises the federal statutory framework governing the licensing, inspection, and enforcement of federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers of firearms (i.e., federal firearms licensees, or FFLs) by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
With respect to an application for a license, this bill requires the ATF to make a preliminary determination, provide notice of a proposed denial, and allow the applicant to request a hearing.
With respect to inspections, this bill requires the ATF to establish standards for how it inspects, examines, or investigates FFLs for possible violations.
With respect to the enforcement of violations, this bill establishes a new framework. The new framework establishes a presumption that a violation by an FFL is not willful and requires the ATF to provide notice of and work with an FFL to rectify a violation.
In the case of a violation that is willful, the ATF has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the violation was committed willfully. The term willfully means that the person had actual knowledge of a legal duty, understood the obligation imposed by the legal duty, and deliberately disregarded the legal duty. The ATF may pursue revocation of an FFL’s license, but only after (1) providing notice and an opportunity to comply; and (2) finding that a lesser administrative action (e.g., warning, warning letter, or warning conference) is not likely to lead to future compliance.
