ATF Reform Act
Ryan notes some criticism of the act by GOA (which given their record on 2640, I might ordinarily be dismissive of – but not this time):
The bill contains a number of relatively minor pro-gun provisions which we have championed for many years.
However, the bill also contains, for the first time, “civil penalties” for federal firearms licensees (FFL’s).
The bill’s supporters tout the introduction of “civil penalties” as a good thing –- arguing that this allows regulators to take action against errant FFL‘s short of license revocation.
The problem is that -– in virtually all of the most aggressive regulatory agencies in the federal government -– “civil penalties” are the central engine whereby the agency has expanded its jurisdiction.
I tend to concur. Seems this may open up the gates, unless reasonable limits are set, for the cost to continue business being greater than shutting it down. What say you?
January 10th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Bureacracies NEVER stop trying to expand their power and reach….especially evil ones like the BATFE.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
It would be nice if the GOA would actually propose their own legislation, and then get one of their many staunch supporters in Congrees (R*n Pa*l) to support it.
To me the GOA is more and more like that irritating guy you know at work, who no matter what you do has to point out the flaws in it and brag how he could do it better.
January 10th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
To me the GOA is more and more like that irritating guy you know at work, who no matter what you do has to point out the flaws in it and brag how he could do it better.
Pretty much. GOA is absolutely shameless these days.
The civil penalties, which basically means fines in this case, is less than ideal, but right now the ATF has two choices: Let a violation go, or revoke the license. What we’re trying to prevent is their overuse of the latter.
January 10th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I’d think the ATF would be much happier collecting fines than spending money to shut down dealers… so if you put a bill in place that will have the ATF’s support, it will be easier to get through congress. Personally, I don’t think the bill is that bad. It certainly fixes a lot of things. My biggest problem with the ATF isn’t even that they pick nits over paperwork, rather that they are allowed to just make up the rules as they go along. This bill is meant to fix that problem.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
The only way to “fix” this problem is to repeal the GCA of ’68.