H.R.624 - Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025; RIFLE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 624, the Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025 (RIFLE Act of 2025), aims to reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The bill introduces graduated penalties for civil violations by federal firearms licensees, emphasizing a collaborative approach to rectify violations before resorting to license revocation. It also seeks to establish formal inspection, examination, and investigative standards for the ATF.
Expected Effects
The bill is likely to reduce the number of license revocations and suspensions by the ATF. It will also provide more due process for licensees accused of violations. The Act could lead to a more standardized and transparent process for ATF inspections and enforcement actions.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Burden on Licensees: Graduated penalties and opportunities to rectify violations before license revocation can ease the regulatory burden on firearms licensees.
- Increased Due Process: Enhanced notification and hearing procedures provide licensees with greater due process rights.
- Clarity and Transparency: Establishment of formal inspection and investigative standards increases transparency and predictability for licensees.
- Reconsideration of Past Cases: Reconsideration of denied applications and reversals of revocations/suspensions under previous ATF orders offers relief to affected individuals.
- Protection of Purchaser Information: Limits on the use of firearms purchaser information enhance privacy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Violations: Relaxed enforcement could lead to an increase in violations of firearms regulations.
- Reduced ATF Authority: The bill could weaken the ATF's ability to effectively regulate the firearms industry.
- Complexity and Litigation: The new standards and procedures could create complexity and increase litigation.
- Website Costs: Establishing and maintaining the "gunrightsrestored.gov" website will incur costs.
- Delayed Enforcement: The additional procedural requirements could delay enforcement actions against licensees who pose a threat to public safety.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on due process and protecting individual rights aligns with constitutional principles. The Second Amendment is relevant as the bill addresses regulation of firearms. The Fifth Amendment's due process clause is also implicated by the changes to enforcement procedures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).