An October 5 Wall Street Journal article, “Silencers Loophole Targeted for Closure,” discussed a proposed federal regulation which could limit the use of gun trusts to own certain types of firearms. The proposed regulation would require local law enforcement approval of ownership of certain firearms, even if the items are owned in trust as permitted under current law. The proposed regulation would amend current law in several respects, including (1) adding a definition for the term “responsible person”; (2) requiring each responsible person of a corporation, trust or legal entity to complete a specified form, and to submit photographs and fingerprints; (3) requiring that a copy of all applications to make or transfer a firearm be forwarded to the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) of the locality in which the maker or transferee is located; and (4) eliminating the requirement for a certification signed by the CLEO. ” Thus, if the regulation is enacted, all responsible persons for trusts and business entities would be subject to the same fingerprint, photograph, and CLEO sign-off requirements currently in effect for individuals. Concerned individuals should get involved and provide comments to the ATF before the comment close period.
