Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB624

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

RIFLE Act of 2025 Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025

Impact

The enactment of HB624 would significantly alter how the ATF manages compliance and enforcement of firearms licensing. By establishing a system that allows for mitigating factors to be assessed before adverse actions are taken against licensees, it aims to reduce arbitrary penalties and provide a more equitable process. Furthermore, it requires the Attorney General to notify applicants of preliminary decisions to deny applications, thereby enhancing transparency in the licensing process. The changes may lead to a more supportive environment for firearms businesses while still aiming to uphold public safety standards.

Summary

House Bill 624, titled the 'Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025' (RIFLE Act), aims to reform the regulatory practices of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concerning federal firearms licensing. The bill proposes a new framework that includes graduated penalties for civil violations by federal firearms licensees, emphasizing corrective actions over harsh penalties. It seeks to ensure that the enforcement actions initiated by the Attorney General are proportionate to the violations and provide opportunities for licensees to rectify non-compliance before any severe license actions, such as suspension or revocation, are taken.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debate regarding its implications for public safety and gun control. Supporters argue that by preventing harsh penalties for minor infractions, the bill fosters a pro-business atmosphere that respects rights of firearms dealers and owners. In contrast, critics express concerns that easing enforcement measures could undermine efforts to regulate firearms effectively, potentially allowing businesses with repeated violations to continue operating without adequate oversight. This tension between regulatory reform and public safety oversight presents significant points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Congress_id

119-HR-624

Policy_area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced_date

2025-01-22

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US HB384

One Agency ActThis bill consolidates federal antitrust enforcement authority in one department by transferring the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust functions, employees, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ).The bill provides a one-year period for DOJ to implement the transition and allows DOJ to extend the period once for an additional 180 days. During the transition period, DOJ may restructure the department's antitrust division and deputize FTC antitrust employees to investigate and prosecute antitrust violations on behalf of DOJ prior to the completion of the transfer of personnel from the FTC to DOJ.DOJ is also authorized to require businesses to file annual or special reports about the business’s organization, conduct, practices, management, and relationship to other businesses filing such reports.

US SB1059

One Agency Act

US HB830

SAFE Act Save Americans from the Fentanyl Emergency Act

US SB1102

Quality Defense Act of 2025 Providing a Quality Defense Act of 2025

US SB331

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl ActThis bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.Under the bill, offenses involving fentanyl-related substances are triggered by the same quantity thresholds and subject to the same penalties as offenses involving fentanyl analogues (e.g., offenses involving 100 grams or more trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term).Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for certain schedule I research.The bill also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, includingpermitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances,waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, andallowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.Finally, the bill expresses the sense that Congress agrees with the interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act in United States v. McCray, a 2018 case decided by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. In that case, the court held that butyryl fentanyl, a controlled substance, can be considered an analogue of fentanyl even though, under the Controlled Substances Act, the term controlled substance analogue specifically excludes a controlled substance.

US SB955

NCAA Accountability Act of 2025

US SB243

Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2025 Radiation Exposure Compensation Expansion Act

US SB1060

AMERICA Act Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act