ATF Transparency Act
ATF Transparency Act
Plain Language Summary
# ATF Transparency Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The ATF Transparency Act would change how the government processes applications for heavily regulated firearms under federal law, including machine guns, silencers, and short-barreled shotguns. Currently, the government can take considerable time reviewing these applications. The bill would allow transfers or manufacturing of these firearms to automatically proceed after just three business days if the application hasn't been explicitly denied.
It would also create a new appeals process for applicants whose transfers are rejected, and require the government to publicly report on background check inquiries that remain unresolved after 90 days. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects gun owners and manufacturers seeking to legally obtain or make highly restricted firearms that require federal permits. It could also impact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which currently reviews these applications, as well as the FBI, which conducts background checks. The general public could be affected by changes to federal firearms regulation processes. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Republican Senator James Risch of Idaho and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
ATF Transparency ActThis bill modifies procedural requirements related to the transfer or making of firearms that are subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act (e.g., machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers).The bill generally permits the transfer of a firearm if three business days have elapsed since the application to transfer the firearm was filed, and the application has not been denied. Additionally, the bill establishes an administrative relief process with respect to an application to transfer that is denied.The bill permits the making of a firearm if three business days have elapsed since the application to make the firearm was filed, and the application has not been denied.Finally, the bill requires reports on firearms-related background check inquiries that remain unresolved after 90 days and the percentage of firearms-related background check inquiries related to the transfer of a firearm that were administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.