The Justice Department has submitted the "Engaged in the Business" Final Rule to the Federal Register, clarifying when a person is "engaged in the business" of dealing in firearms and required to obtain a federal firearms license. The rule aims to increase compliance with federal background check requirements for firearm sales, requiring those predominantly selling guns for profit to be licensed and conduct background checks. The rule aligns with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and aims to prevent unlicensed dealing, enhance public safety, and clarify regulations for licensed firearms dealers.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed a new rule to close the "gun show loophole" by increasing the requirements to obtain a federal firearms license (FFL) for gun sellers. The proposed rule aims to regulate the market more effectively by defining those "engaged in the business" of firearms dealing more specifically. It clarifies that firearm dealing requiring a license and background checks extends beyond brick-and-mortar stores to include gun shows, flea markets, mail order, and online sales. Gun rights groups criticize the proposal, while gun control advocates see it as fulfilling the Biden administration's promises to expand background checks and keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous individuals. The public will have 90 days to comment on the proposed rule.
