Below is an excerpt from a public comment submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in regard to the proposed rule "Definition of 'Engaged in the Business' as a Dealer in Firearms" on December 4, 2023.
I support the effort by the proposed rule to clarify the definition of “engaged in business” with the aim of moving closer to a policy of universal background checks on gun sales from dealers.
I would caution, however, that this rule alone does not ensure safer, less violent communities. Much of the firearm violence in urban areas is carried out by illegally obtained weapons, the exchange of which this rule would not be able to stop. Outside of gang-related firearm violence, many of the perpetrators in recent mass shootings have been able to pass a background check or have had access to firearms in their homes. While this evidence does not warrant my opposing this rule, it causes me to assess it as less of an impactful measure for reducing gun violence and more of a successful one for increasing tax revenue from gun sales. I instead urge the administration to place greater focus on 1) stopping illegal firearms from circulating and 2) expanding community mental health support services and domestic violence support services.