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HOUSE 624119th CongressReferred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Honoring the life and heroic sacrifice of Mr. Anderson "Chase" Childers, a former Georgia police officer who selflessly sacrificed his life rescuing swimmers from a deadly rip current off the coast of South Carolina.

Last Action
8/1/2025

Actions

  • 2025-01-22Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • 2025-01-22Introduced in House
  • 2025-01-22Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2025-01-22 (00)

Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025 or the RIFLE Act of 2025
 
This bill revises the federal statutory framework governing the licensing, inspection, and enforcement of federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers of firearms (i.e., federal firearms licensees, or FFLs) by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 
 
With respect to an application for a license, this bill requires the ATF to make a preliminary determination, provide notice of a proposed denial, and allow the applicant to request a hearing. 

With respect to inspections, this bill requires the ATF to establish standards for how it inspects, examines, or investigates FFLs for possible violations.

With respect to the enforcement of violations, this bill establishes a new framework. The new framework establishes a presumption that a violation by an FFL is not willful and requires the ATF to provide notice of and work with an FFL to rectify a violation.

In the case of a violation that is willful, the ATF has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the violation was committed willfully. The term willfully means that the person had actual knowledge of a legal duty, understood the obligation imposed by the legal duty, and deliberately disregarded the legal duty. The ATF may pursue revocation of an FFL’s license, but only after (1) providing notice and an opportunity to comply; and (2) finding that a lesser administrative action (e.g., warning, warning letter, or warning conference) is not likely to lead to future compliance.

Cosponsors (20)

  • Andrew Clyde (R-GA)
  • Brad Finstad (R-MN)
  • Troy Downing (R-MT)
  • Andrew Ogles (R-TN)
  • Randy Feenstra (R-IA)
  • Thomas Tiffany (R-WI)
  • Derek Schmidt (R-KS)
  • Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
  • Ron Estes (R-KS)
  • Claudia Tenney (R-NY)
  • Adrian Smith (R-NE)
  • John Rose (R-TN)
  • Mike Collins (R-GA)
  • Addison McDowell (R-NC)
  • Sheri Biggs (R-SC)
  • Keith Self (R-TX)
  • Jake Ellzey (R-TX)
  • Barry Moore (R-AL)
  • Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
  • Ronny Jackson (R-TX)

Subjects

  • Administrative remedies
  • Business records
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Congressional oversight
  • Department of Justice
  • Evidence and witnesses
  • Firearms and explosives
  • Government information and archives
  • Internet, web applications, social media
  • Licensing and registrations
  • Retail and wholesale trades
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.