WASHINGTON, DC — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced a major policy shift on Friday, rolling back its controversial “zero-tolerance” stance toward Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) during compliance inspections. The updated national policy aims to promote fairness, consistency, and a renewed emphasis on public safety while respecting the rights of lawful gun dealers.

Replacing the 2021 Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement policy, the new guidance instructs ATF investigators to use discretion in evaluating inspection results, distinguishing between clerical errors and willful misconduct. This marks a significant departure from the prior policy, which critics say often led to license revocations over minor mistakes.

“This update is about getting it right and making sure we’re focused on public safety,” said ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll. “Under the previous policy, some licensees were being penalized for simple mistakes such as forgetting to put their license number on forms. This new guidance gives our investigators the discretion to tell the difference between an honest mistake and a real threat to public safety.”

Under the revised policy, investigators are instructed to consider mitigating factors such as self-reporting, corrective actions taken by the licensee, and overall compliance history. Rather than an automatic revocation for any violation, the policy now provides a framework that includes education, warnings, or administrative action only when appropriate.

Key changes include:

The update underscores a more balanced approach to industry oversight, reflecting a shift toward partnering with rather than penalizing responsible dealers. ATF maintains that its inspections remain a crucial tool in preventing illegal firearms trafficking by identifying patterns of concern such as straw purchases and missing inventory.

This policy adjustment appears to be a step toward restoring trust between federal regulators and the lawful gun industry. For many FFLs, the previous enforcement approach created uncertainty and fear of losing their livelihood over what were often administrative oversights.

The change affirms that law-abiding gun dealers are not adversaries, but allies in the broader mission of enhancing public safety and protecting constitutional rights.

Read the original story: FFLs Can Make an Honest Mistake Now: ATF Replaces Biden’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic and tightly contested vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a single vote, 215-214. Included in the bill is the full removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA), eliminating the $200 tax and federal registration process that have long restricted suppressor ownership in the United States.

The provision, based on Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, removes suppressors from the NFA’s definition of a firearm, and sets the transfer and making tax at $0. If signed into law, this change would make suppressors available through the standard NICS background check system—no more tax stamps, no more ATF registration, and no more months-long wait times.

Final House Vote Breakdown:

Every Yea vote came from Republican lawmakers. Democrats voted in unanimous opposition. Two Republicans broke ranks and voted Nay, one voted “Present,” and another did not vote—making the narrow victory possible by just a one-vote margin.

Gun rights groups hailed the vote as a landmark win. The American Suppressor Association (ASA) called it a “HUGE WIN for suppressors, 2A rights, and freedom!!” Gun Owners of America (GOA) also applauded the outcome, crediting Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) for championing the effort in the House and securing its inclusion via the reconciliation process.

“Eliminating the suppressor registration and tax is a major step forward for liberty and safety,” said Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA. “Gun owners have one less unconstitutional hurdle to worry about—but we’re not done.”

The National Rifle Association (NRA) echoed the sentiment, calling it a “monumental victory for Second Amendment rights.”

Short-Barreled Firearms Still in NFA

Despite the success with suppressors, GOA is urging lawmakers not to stop there. The organization is calling on the Senate to add provisions from the SHORT Act to repeal NFA restrictions on short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and brace-equipped pistols—firearms still heavily regulated under current federal law.

“Now, GOA is calling on the Senate to also protect short-barreled firearms,” said Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs. “The elimination of suppressor taxes and registration is massive—but the job’s not finished.”

What’s Next?

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it can pass through the budget reconciliation process with a simple majority of 51 votes. Advocates are urging gun owners to immediately contact their senators and demand the suppressor repeal stay intact—and that SBR deregulation be added.

The American Suppressor Association has launched a resource to help:

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, this would be the most significant rollback of federal gun regulations since the NFA was enacted in 1934. The clock is ticking, and continued grassroots pressure is essential to carry this win across the finish line.

Read the original story: House Passes Removing Suppressors from NFA by One Vote in 215-214 Decision, Urge Senate to Finish the Job

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A critical federal effort is underway to stop credit card companies and financial institutions from tracking lawful firearm and ammunition purchases using merchant category codes (MCCs) that single out gun retailers. Senate Bill 1715 and its House companion, H.R. 1181, known as the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, would prohibit the use of a firearm retailer-specific MCC — a system already exposed as a tool for backdoor surveillance of gun owners.

Introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), this legislation aims to ensure that Second Amendment rights are not quietly undermined by anti-gun activists leveraging financial infrastructure to monitor or deny lawful transactions. Both bills would make it illegal for payment card networks and processors to assign or require these targeted codes, which are currently used to categorize businesses for transaction tracking.

NSSF, the firearm industry’s trade association, praised the legislation, warning that MCCs have “already proven to be exploited by the federal government for political purposes and denying lawful credit card transactions.” Lawrence Keane, NSSF’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, called the MCC policy an “Orwellian antigun scheme” and lauded Senator Hagerty for standing up to both government overreach and financial institutions trying to act as gatekeepers of constitutionally protected rights.

“Gun control proponents… have already admitted the use of a firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Code is intended to monitor and approve or deny firearm and ammunition purchases,” said Keane. “No American should be concerned that banks or the federal government are employing this scheme to monitor the exercise of their Second Amendment rights.”

Senator Hagerty’s bill has already earned the support of 16 Senate co-sponsors, while Rep. Moore’s House version has gathered backing from over 100 lawmakers. The legislative push builds on a wave of state-level action — 20 states have now enacted laws banning firearm-specific MCCs, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee. Meanwhile, just three states — California, Colorado, and New York — have passed laws mandating the use of these invasive tracking codes.

This clear disparity across state lines has already led major card companies — including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — to pause implementation of the firearm-specific MCCs, citing legal uncertainty and widespread opposition. Visa directly acknowledged that the backlash from states created “significant confusion” in the payments ecosystem.

And for good reason.

The MCC system cannot actually identify what was purchased — only where a purchase occurred. As Visa’s CEO pointed out, there is no way to distinguish between someone buying a rifle and someone buying camping gear at the same store. The code’s true purpose is not crime prevention, but rather political control and the gradual normalization of surveillance over a lawful and constitutionally protected industry.

Proponents of these federal bills understand exactly what’s at stake. Allowing credit card companies to monitor purchases at gun shops under the guise of safety is nothing more than a workaround to build unofficial watchlists and pressure banks into denying services to lawful firearm retailers and customers. These codes do not deter crime — they create a chilling effect on the exercise of rights.

With the introduction of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act in both chambers, and a President who has pledged to defend the Second Amendment now in the White House, the opportunity has never been better to lock in federal protections that stop these codes from ever taking root.

The states have led — now it’s time for Congress to finish the job. These bills should be passed without delay to ensure that law-abiding Americans are not tracked, flagged, or targeted simply for exercising their constitutional rights.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act is now under review in congressional committees:

To move forward, each bill will need to:

Gun owners and Second Amendment supporters are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives to express strong support for these bills. With broad grassroots backing and the momentum already established by 20 states, now is the time to ensure that this legislation reaches the President’s desk.

Read the original story: Credit Card Tracking of Gun Purchases Faces Federal Ban in New Pro-2A Legislation

DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 106 into law on May 6, 2025, authorizing the lawful possession of loaded firearms while operating or riding snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under specific conditions.

Previously, Iowa law required that firearms transported on snowmobiles or ATVs be unloaded and stored in a carrying case. SF 106 removes those restrictions, now permitting the carry of a loaded firearm—whether concealed or not—when on land that the person owns, possesses, or rents, provided the individual’s conduct is otherwise lawful. Additionally, the law allows for the carry of a loaded pistol or revolver, even on land not owned or controlled by the person, again provided the activity remains lawful.

The bill also maintains the prohibition on discharging a firearm from a moving snowmobile or ATV. However, nonambulatory individuals are allowed to discharge a firearm from a stationary snowmobile or ATV while lawfully hunting.

Key provisions of SF 106 include:

The legislation passed both chambers with strong majorities: 93-3 in the House and 42-8 in the Senate.

This new law aligns Iowa with other states that have similarly modernized their firearm transportation laws to reflect responsible gun ownership and to support hunters and rural residents who rely on off-road vehicles.

This change is a win for lawful gun owners, particularly those in rural areas who often travel their own property by ATV or snowmobile. By eliminating unnecessary restrictions, Iowa’s legislature has taken a step toward recognizing the practicality of carrying a loaded firearm while off-roading, particularly for self-defense in remote areas. The law strikes a balance by keeping discharge prohibitions intact except for nonambulatory hunters, maintaining safety while affirming Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: New Iowa Law Lets Gun Owners Carry Loaded Firearms on Off-Road Vehicles, ATVs and Snowmobiles Without a Permit

JACKSONVILLE, FL — A Jacksonville city councilman has alleged that private security personnel under the city’s direction maintained an unauthorized registry of citizens legally carrying concealed firearms into municipal buildings, potentially violating Florida law and the U.S. Constitution.

Councilman Nick Howland (R-At Large, Group 3) disclosed that private security stationed at City Hall and the Yates Building—the latter housing the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser’s Offices—had allegedly kept written records of individuals who entered with lawfully concealed firearms. According to Howland, this documentation included personal details such as names, contact information, and the type of firearm carried.

This is chilling—and it should outrage every law-abiding Floridian.

The Deegan Administration has kept a registry of individuals who lawfully carry personal firearms into City Hall—a blatant violation of state law and likely the Constitution. Florida is a “no registry” state for… https://t.co/M1ZMx7rxQm

Florida statute explicitly prohibits any government entity or person from maintaining a list, record, or registry of privately owned firearms or their owners. The law includes significant penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines up to $5 million and potential third-degree felony charges for individuals found in violation.

Councilman Howland claims the practice began in July 2023—the same month Mayor Donna Deegan took office. While the mayor’s office asserts the policy may predate her administration, it has not directly denied the existence of the registry. Instead, a spokesperson stated that the city is reviewing policy directives from prior leadership and confirmed that it had complied with a subpoena from the State Attorney’s Office.

“The Deegan Administration has kept a registry of individuals who lawfully carry personal firearms into City Hall—a blatant violation of state law and likely the Constitution,” Howland wrote in a social media post. “This reckless move exposes taxpayers to serious legal liability.”

Though Howland stated the State Attorney’s Office is investigating the matter, the office itself declined to confirm the existence of any formal inquiry.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has since weighed in, calling the allegations a “serious breach of Florida law” if proven true. “Government gun registries are antithetical to the right of the people to keep and bear arms,” Uthmeier said via social media. He also pledged to ensure accountability if any laws were broken.

This incident is likely to heighten concerns among gun owners in Florida, a state with strong preemption laws designed to prevent local governments from enacting firearms regulations that conflict with state law. Since July 1, 2023, Floridians have been permitted to carry concealed firearms into government buildings, provided they are otherwise legally allowed to do so.

While the full scope and intent behind the alleged registry remain unclear, this case underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and enforcement of Florida’s firearms preemption statutes. Florida’s “no registry” law is a critical safeguard for gun owners, ensuring that legally armed citizens are not subjected to unwarranted scrutiny or surveillance by local authorities.

Read the original story: Jacksonville Mayor’s Office Accused of Overseeing Alleged Illegal Firearm Registry

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department has announced a public outreach initiative to help residents recover firearms lost during the Palisades Fire. Since January, LAPD officers have recovered approximately 500 firearms from the fire zone and are now seeking to return them to their rightful owners.

Residents who believe they lost a firearm in the Palisades Fire are asked to contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit by emailing [email protected]. Individuals will need to provide proof of residential address and a description of the firearm to initiate the recovery process.

“Since January, LAPD officers have been working through the painstaking process of recovering and rendering approximately 500 firearms safe,” said LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton. “We recognize that these firearms may hold significant sentimental value to their owners, whether as family heirlooms, historical pieces, or personal mementos, and we are doing our best to reunite them with their owners.”

The recovery operation, conducted in collaboration with local agencies and cleanup crews, uncovered hundreds of firearms, many heavily damaged by fire. Due to the extent of the damage, identification has proven difficult in many cases, but LAPD assures the public that all recovered firearms are being handled with care and respect throughout the process.

Residents who wish to officially report their firearm as lost property may do so in person at any LAPD Community Police Station or online at LAPDonline.org.

The LAPD emphasized its commitment to community recovery efforts and its intent to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in returning property lost in the fire.

This process also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities associated with lawful firearm ownership. Situations such as natural disasters highlight the importance of secure storage and documentation. The LAPD’s initiative to reunite gun owners with their firearms is an encouraging step in maintaining accountability while respecting Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Lost Your Gun in the Palisades Fire? LAPD Opens Recovery Process for 500 Firearms Found

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A comprehensive firearm bill that enhances carry rights for correctional probation officers and expands waiting period exemptions for certain firearm purchasers, including military servicemembers, has been officially enrolled and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.

House Bill 383, titled “Purchase and Possession of Firearms by Law Enforcement Officers, Correctional Officers, Correctional Probation Officers, and Servicemembers,” passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The House approved the bill in a 111-0 vote, while the Senate followed with a 33-3 vote. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending the governor’s approval.

The bill makes several notable changes to Florida Statutes:

In addition, the bill expands exemptions from Florida’s mandatory three-day waiting period between the purchase and delivery of firearms. Exemptions now include:

The bill treats servicemembers the same as concealed carry license holders for the purposes of bypassing the waiting period, regardless of whether they are purchasing a handgun or a long gun.

This legislation is part of Florida’s ongoing effort to streamline firearm regulations for those serving in public safety or national defense roles, providing both clarity and increased recognition of their responsibilities.

From a Second Amendment standpoint, this bill underscores the principle that the right to keep and bear arms should not be subject to unnecessary delays or restrictions. While this legislation specifically addresses law enforcement, correctional officers, and servicemembers, it highlights the broader need to ensure that all law-abiding citizens are treated equally when exercising their constitutional rights.

Read the original story: New Florida Law Expands Concealed Carry Rights for Off-Duty Officers and Military Members

SACRAMENTO, CA — California lawmakers are advancing a controversial new bill, SB 704, that would treat firearm barrels like complete firearms, requiring all sales and transfers to go through a licensed dealer with a background check. The legislation, introduced by Senator Jesse Arreguín (D), is the latest in a series of proposals that expand regulatory control over individual gun parts — this time targeting components that have never been considered firearms on their own.

Under SB 704, beginning July 1, 2026, firearm barrels could no longer be sold or transferred privately or online without going through a licensed firearms dealer. The bill would mandate in-person transactions, require a background check, and compel dealers to document the sale, including the purchaser’s information and date of transfer. Any violations would be classified as misdemeanors.

California already regulates frames, receivers, and precursor parts, but barrels have traditionally been unregulated. Critics of the bill argue that this is a deliberate strategy to gradually choke off the ability of law-abiding gun owners to repair or customize their firearms — a form of indirect gun control through component-level restrictions.

Second Amendment supporters are sounding the alarm. The National Association for Gun Rights warned that the bill is part of a broader agenda to “target the secondary market” and “ban online sales” by imposing regulation on basic gun parts that pose no threat on their own. Many see this as a continuation of efforts to clamp down on homemade and 3D-printed firearms by regulating every part that could possibly be used in a build, no matter how benign.

A bill has been filed in California that would require background checks for gun barrels.

We have warned that this was always the end goal.
Target the secondary market — driving up the cost of repairing and maintaining firearms in an effort to win through attrition.

The… pic.twitter.com/YgQ1ROYStj

Firearm barrels are not serialized. They cannot fire a round on their own, nor are they sufficient to construct a working firearm without a legally regulated frame or receiver. By requiring background checks for barrels, the state is blurring the line between sensible regulation and punitive overreach.

This bill also raises concerns about cost and compliance burdens for hobbyists and gunsmiths. It would make simple maintenance, such as replacing a worn barrel, subject to the same process as buying a new firearm. Gun owners in rural areas, who rely on online retailers and parts suppliers, would be disproportionately affected.

From a Second Amendment perspective, SB 704 is yet another reminder of how expansive and persistent California’s gun control efforts have become. The concern is not just about barrels — it’s about where this regulatory strategy ends. If barrels require background checks today, what’s next? Springs? Pins? Screws?

As of April 30, 2025, SB 704 remains in committee in the California Senate. It was last set for hearing on April 29 in the Senate Committee on Public Safety, following amendments made on March 26. The bill has not yet reached a floor vote.

If it passes out of committee, SB 704 will proceed through the legislative process toward a full Senate vote. If approved, it will then move to the State Assembly. Opponents are urging California gun owners to contact their legislators and voice strong opposition before it advances further.

Read the original story: California Lawmakers Want Background Checks for Gun Barrels — What’s Next, Springs and Screws?

EMPORIA, KS — The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that Bass Pro Outdoor World and Beretta U.S.A. are immune from a product-liability lawsuit filed by Marquise Johnson, who was accidentally shot by a friend attempting to disassemble a Beretta handgun inside a vehicle.

The case, Johnson v. Bass Pro Outdoor World, involved a 2018 incident where André Lewis, believing a pistol could not fire without a magazine, pulled the trigger to disassemble his Beretta APX while sitting in a parked car. The handgun, which had a live round chambered, discharged and struck Johnson in the legs, leading to a partial leg amputation.

Johnson filed suit against the gun’s manufacturer, importer, and retailer—Beretta Italy, Beretta U.S.A., and Bass Pro—alleging that the handgun was defective for lacking a magazine disconnect safety and loaded-chamber indicator. The Lyon District Court initially granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a federal law shielding firearm manufacturers and sellers from liability when their products are misused criminally or unlawfully.

The Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the district court, arguing that PLCAA immunity should only apply when a discharge is intentional. However, the Kansas Supreme Court reinstated the original decision, holding that the PLCAA bars Johnson’s lawsuit because the gun was discharged due to a “volitional act”—Lewis’ intentional trigger pull—that constituted a criminal offense under Kansas law.

While no charges were filed against Lewis, the Supreme Court found that his actions violated K.S.A. 21-6308(a)(3)(B), which criminalizes discharging a firearm on a public road and is classified as a strict-liability crime, requiring no criminal intent.

The Court rejected Johnson’s claim that a lack of intent exempted the act from PLCAA protections. The ruling emphasized that the federal statute does not require intent to discharge the weapon, only that a volitional act (like pulling the trigger) causes a discharge that constitutes a crime.

This decision reinforces a key principle behind the PLCAA: firearm manufacturers and retailers are not liable when their lawfully sold products are later used in criminal conduct, even if unintentionally. The Court also underscored that even if the gun’s design had shortcomings, federal law recognizes the act of criminal misuse as the sole proximate cause of injury in such cases.

This ruling aligns with similar interpretations in other jurisdictions and affirms the legal insulation provided to the firearms industry when its products are used contrary to their intended operation, whether through ignorance or carelessness.

From a Second Amendment perspective, this decision underscores the strength of federal protections for lawful gun manufacturers and sellers, reaffirming that responsibility for unsafe handling lies with the individual, not the industry. The ruling preserves the critical balance that allows Americans to access firearms for lawful purposes while protecting manufacturers from liability when users act unlawfully or irresponsibly.

Read the original story: Bass Pro and Beretta Cleared After Friend’s Negligent Discharge Leaves Man Amputated in Car Shooting

CHARLESTON, WV — Governor Patrick Morrisey signed into law three major bills aimed at strengthening protections for the firearms industry and reinforcing Second Amendment rights in West Virginia. The legislation, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, addresses negligent marketing claims, prohibits discrimination against firearm businesses by financial institutions, and protects firearms rights during declared emergencies.

House Bill 2067, known as the West Virginia Firearms Marketing Clarification Act, limits the ability to bring negligent marketing lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and sellers. Under the new law, claims can only proceed if specific, strict criteria are met, such as direct targeting of prohibited persons, encouragement of unlawful use, and a clear violation of explicit firearm-specific statutes. Courts are required to summarily dismiss cases that do not meet these standards, narrowing the interpretation of the “predicate exception” under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).

House Bill 3342, the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act (FIND Act), prohibits financial institutions doing business with the state from discriminating against firearm-related businesses or trade associations. The law ensures that lawful firearm commerce cannot be targeted through discriminatory financial practices unless justified by traditional business reasons or compliance with regulatory directives. It also establishes civil remedies and allows the Attorney General to act against violators.

Senate Bill 270 amends state emergency management laws to prevent government officials from suspending or restricting firearms rights during declared emergencies. The legislation designates firearms businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, and shooting ranges, as essential services. It also prohibits the confiscation, restriction, or forced closure of these entities during emergencies except under narrowly defined circumstances involving direct criminal activity.

The new laws will take effect in early July 2025.

NSSF®, the Firearm Industry Trade Association, praised Gov. Morrisey’s leadership in a press release, calling the new laws essential to safeguarding lawful commerce in arms and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.

Governor Morrisey stated, “As Governor, I will always support and defend West Virginians’ God-given constitutional rights. The bills I signed today further enshrine West Virginia’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

These measures solidify West Virginia’s reputation as one of the most firearm-friendly states in the nation. By protecting lawful firearm commerce and ensuring constitutional rights are maintained even during emergencies, the state sets a strong example for others.

The passage of these bills reinforces the principle that responsible firearm ownership and lawful commerce should not be undermined by discriminatory practices or governmental overreach, especially during times of crisis.

Read the original story: West Virginia Governor Signs Sweeping New Laws Protecting Firearms Industry and Second Amendment