ATF Transparency Act

The ATF Transparency Act aims to speed up and add fairness to certain firearm applications. It covers National Firearms Act items like machine guns, short‑barreled shotguns, and silencers. If ATF has not decided within 90 days, the transfer or making of the firearm is automatically approved, unless the application actually fails to meet the rules. The bill also creates a clear appeal path when a background check denial blocks a transfer. ATF must give you the background check transaction number, let you appeal in a way similar to current NICS appeals, allow you to submit info to prevent future mistakes, and repay your reasonable attorney fees if you win the appeal.

To improve the process, federal watchdogs must report on background check delays and how many checks the FBI handled for ATF, and ATF and FBI must sign an agreement on how to manage these checks.

Key points

• Who is affected: People applying to transfer or make tightly regulated firearms (e.g., machine guns, short‑barreled shotguns, silencers).
• What changes: 90‑day deadline with automatic approval if no decision; new appeal process with ATF sharing the NICS number, allowing added info, and paying attorney fees if you win; reports and an ATF‑FBI agreement to reduce unresolved checks .
• When: Applies to applications filed or pending on or after the date this becomes law .