Weekly 2A Wrap Up - May 2, 2025

ATF 'Zero-Tolerance' Policy Reversal

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported a significant increase in federal firearms license (FFL) revocations in 2024, totaling 195—a nearly 25% rise from 2023. This uptick was attributed to the Biden administration's "zero-tolerance" policy, which penalized minor clerical errors. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) welcomed the Trump administration's decision to rescind this policy, viewing it as a positive shift for lawful firearm retailers.

NSSF

Continued Firearm Purchases Amid Economic Challenges

Despite economic headwinds, firearm sales remain robust. A Rasmussen poll indicated that 19% of American adults, or someone in their household, purchased a firearm in the past year, with 64% citing self-defense as the primary reason. This trend persists even as some states implement laws that NSSF views as obstacles to Second Amendment rights.

NSSF+10NSSF+10NSSF+10

DOJ Emphasizes Second Amendment Protections

Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, announced that the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is prioritizing the protection of Second Amendment rights. The division plans to challenge state laws that it believes infringe upon these rights, especially those that contradict recent Supreme Court rulings.

West Virginia Enacts Pro-Firearm Legislation

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed three bills into law aimed at protecting the firearm industry and Second Amendment rights:

NSSF+13NSSF+13NSSF+13

House Bill 2067: The West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act

House Bill 3342: The Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act

Senate Bill 270: Prohibits the suspension of gun rights during declared emergencies

These laws received bipartisan support and were praised by the NSSF for safeguarding the industry against legal overreach.

NSSF

Meeting with Interior Secretary on Outdoor Access

NSSF's Larry Keane met with U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to discuss the implementation of the Range Access Act, part of the EXPLORE Act. The Act mandates the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to open public recreational shooting ranges in underserved areas. Discussions also covered increasing public land access and expanding recreational shooting opportunities.

DOJ Supports Concealed Carry Rights in Supreme Court Case

The Department of Justice filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case Wolford v. Lopez, challenging Hawaii's restrictions on concealed carry license holders carrying firearms on private property open to the public. The DOJ argues that such restrictions violate Second Amendment rights, signaling the administration's commitment to defending lawful firearm ownership.

NSSF+11NSSF+11

• Likes
• Download1
• Share