FIREARM Act

This bill changes how the government handles rule violations by federally licensed gun dealers. If a dealer reports their own fixable mistake before an inspection, the ATF can’t revoke or deny their license renewal just for that. Instead, the agency must help them correct the issue and provide training. The dealer also gets written notice and 30 business days to fix problems before any action is taken. Corrected issues generally can’t be used to punish the dealer, unless the violation can’t be fixed or involved selling a gun to someone who is not allowed to have one. The bill clarifies that only on‑purpose, planned violations count as “willful,” not minor, clerical, or curable errors .

It also gives dealers a faster path to challenge a license denial or revocation in federal court. If they file in time, the revocation is put on hold while the judge reviews the case from scratch. A revocation can be upheld only if the government shows the dealer willfully broke the rules, based on all the evidence. If the judge finds the basis was not strong enough, the agency must follow the court’s decision.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal firearms licensees (gun dealers).
• What changes: No license loss for self‑reported, fixable violations; required notice and a 30‑business‑day fix period with help and training; limits on using corrected issues for enforcement; clearer, stricter meaning of “willful”; direct court review with the revocation paused during the case .
• When: Also applies backward to dealers whose licenses were affected under the ATF’s “Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy” announced June 23, 2021; these dealers can reapply and be approved if they are otherwise eligible and show compliance and corrective action, including those who surrendered a license at ATF’s suggestion during an inspection tied to that policy.