Video Highlights
- A court in Texas has thrown out the ATF rule on frames and receivers, stating that the government cannot lawfully regulate partially manufactured firearm components and related products without violating federal law.
- The court issued a summary judgment and vacated the entire rule, stating that ATF exceeded its statutory jurisdiction.
- The court concluded that ATF can only regulate firearms and completed frames and receivers, not chunks of aluminum or unfinished frames and receivers.
- The ruling has implications for other ATF regulations, including those on pistol braces and trigger components.
- The court also ruled that weapon parts kits are not firearms and cannot be regulated by ATF.
- The remedy for the unlawful agency action is vacator, meaning the rule is thrown out and cannot be remanded.
Video Summary
In a rare piece of good news for gun owners, a federal court in Texas has thrown out the ATF rule on frames and receivers. The court ruled that the government cannot lawfully regulate partially manufactured firearm components and related products without violating federal law. This ruling is a big blow to the ATF, which had rewritten rules on frames and receivers, including unfinished frames and receivers, also known as 80 lowers.
The case, Vanderstock v. Garland, challenged ATF Rule 2021 R-05F, which defined frames and receivers and identified them as firearms. The court, after reviewing the rules, applicable law, and surrounding circumstances, determined that the ATF exceeded its statutory jurisdiction and vacated the entire rule.
The court's ruling focused on the statutory interpretation of the Gun Control Act of 1968. It concluded that ATF can only regulate firearms and completed frames and receivers, not chunks of aluminum or unfinished frames and receivers. The court stated that Congress did not define frames or receivers, so the words should be given their ordinary meaning. Therefore, ATF's attempt to regulate partially complete, disassembled, or non-functional frames or receivers was deemed unlawful.
This ruling has far-reaching implications beyond the frames and receivers rule. It also impacts other ATF regulations, such as those on pistol braces, trigger components, and weapon parts kits. The court ruled that weapon parts kits are not firearms and cannot be regulated by ATF.
The court's remedy for this unlawful agency action is vacator. This means that the rule is thrown out and cannot be remanded. The court explained that all illegitimate agency action is void from the beginning and cannot be justified or corrected.
This ruling is a significant victory for gun owners and Second Amendment rights. It sets a precedent that ATF cannot exceed its statutory authority and regulate items that Congress did not intend to be regulated as firearms. Gun owners can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their rights are being protected by the courts.
It's important for gun owners to stay informed about the law and how it applies in different situations. The ruling in this case reinforces the need for responsible gun ownership and understanding the legal landscape surrounding firearms and related components.
For more details and the full opinion of the court, please refer to the links provided below. The Firearms Policy Coalition deserves recognition for spearheading this legal challenge and achieving a successful outcome for gun owners. They continue to fight for our Second Amendment rights and deserve our support.
If you have any questions about this ruling or any other matter related to gun laws, please don't hesitate to reach out to Washington Gun Law. Stay safe and stay informed!
