Some believe the agency capable of reform. In May, Rep. Zack Space (R-OH) and Rep. Steve King (R-IA) re-introduced “reform legislation” they tell us is backed by “defenders of the Second Amendment” in the House of Representatives. This is a “companion bill” to legislation introduced to the Senate in April by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID).
Here's what we're told this will do:
–Create a system to provide more flexibility in punishing those who are found to have violated gun sales laws.
–Establish a solid legal requirement for determining the willful violation of the law.
–Create specific sentencing guidelines for dangerous felons convicted of a gun offense.
–Set limitations on the availability of electronic gun owner information to protect the privacy of law-abiding citizens.
–Allow security companies and ammunition manufacturers to purchase machine guns for product testing and international security personnel training.
–Ease the restriction on the importation of replacement parts for semiautomatic rifles.
–Direct that a suspension or fine be vacated if a court determines a licensee did not willfully violate the law with attorney’s fees awarded to a cleared defendant.
–Direct that the number of warnings, amount of fines, or suspensions or revocations shall not be a factor in firing, promoting, or transferring agents.
We're told this will be an improvement. The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action says:
The bills would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. These bipartisan bills are a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.
Of highest importance, S. 941 and H.R. 2296 totally rewrites the system of administrative penalties for licensed dealers, manufacturers and importers of firearms. Today, for most violations, BATFE can only give a federal firearms license (FFL) holder a warning, or totally revoke his license.
So: Is this an important incremental step in bringing critical reforms to a troubled agency?
We'll look at another point of view tomorrow. Read more
Source: Gun Rights Examiner
