In December 2024, the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) introduced two new gun control rules, positioning them as implementations of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed by President Biden in 2022. The BSCA emerged as a collaborative effort between some Republicans, notably Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, and Democrats, addressing the urgent call for gun control following the tragic Uvalde school shooting. On December 16, 2024, media outlet Truth About Guns reported the DOJ’s unveiling of these rules under a “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” (NPRM), aiming to modify existing gun control measures.
The first of the two NPRMs, designated as the Firearm Handlers Rule, seeks to allow federal firearm licensees (FFLs), including gun stores, to employ the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for voluntary background checks on employees. This initiative is geared towards enhancing the safety protocols within gun retail environments, ensuring that those who work in proximity to firearms are thoroughly vetted. The second NPRM, referred to as the Under-21 Rule, is designed to reinforce protocols around background checks for individuals under the age of 21 who wish to purchase firearms, mandating enhanced NICS checks that incorporate input from various local and state entities regarding any juvenile records or mental health issues that could disqualify potential buyers.
The context for these rules stems significantly from the BSCA, which passed in the wake of the Uvalde shooting as part of a bipartisan response to escalating gun violence in the United States. Notably, the direct connection between these new regulations and the prevention of such catastrophic events has been called into question, as critics highlight that neither the BSCA nor the new DOJ rules would have effectively prevented the Uvalde shooting from occurring in the first place, raising concerns about the efficacy of the new measures.
Sen. Cornyn’s involvement alongside a small group of Republican colleagues in promoting the BSCA reflects a complex political maneuvering in the realm of gun legislation, as it bridged party lines in an environment often characterized by stark divisions. This collaboration aimed to furnish a more robust framework for preventing gun violence while navigating the contentious landscape of Second Amendment rights. However, some commentators, including those from conservative media outlets, argue that such regulations may not substantially impact the prevalent issues of gun-related violence while potentially impinging on the rights of responsible gun owners.
AWR Hawkins, a Second Amendment journalist and commentator, has followed the developments surrounding the BSCA and the DOJ’s new rules closely. As a political analyst and active contributor to discussions on firearm policies, Hawkins elucidates the broader implications of government regulations on gun ownership and the Second Amendment rights. His perspective encapsulates the ongoing debate within American society regarding the balance between public safety and individual freedoms, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing discussions about effective strategies to mitigate gun violence without compromising constitutional rights.
Overall, the introduction of the Firearm Handlers Rule and the Under-21 Rule illustrates the continuing evolution of gun control measures in the United States, reflecting a post-Uvalde emphasis on enhancing background checks and fostering safer environments in gun retail contexts. As stakeholders from various sides of the debate analyze the implications of these new regulations, questions about their effectiveness, the political motivations behind them, and their actual impact on gun violence prevention remain at the forefront of the national conversation on gun control policy.
