The ATF’s long gun registry program is in limbo, thrown in the deep freeze by the Office of Management and Budget. The OMB claimed that they did so as part of the Prez’s initiative to reduce paperwork. Right. But “limbo” is not an official government term. Stopping the bureaucratic wheels is a bit like slowing a freight train. So WTH. Just to be on the safe side, I sent my comments about the ATF’s proposed long gun registry to barbara.terrell@atf.gov. Needless to say, they were not highly supportive. My comments. Mr. Terrell’s response indicates that she—and by extension the ATF—support of the idea of “revising the form.” Hang on. I was opposing the entire IDEA of the program. Huh. Here’s the reply . . .
Thank you for your comment regarding the 60-day emergency notice of information collection relating to ATF Form 3310.12 (Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Certain Rifles), published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2010. The Federal Register and supplement form may be found at: http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/rulemakings/general-notices.html
The primary purpose of this program is to improve law enforcement’s ability to identify firearms traffickers, to disrupt the criminal activity and to stop deadly violence plaguing the southwest border States and Mexico. The multiple sales reports will apply only to rifles that are semi-automatic, greater than .22 caliber, and have the ability to accept a detachable magazine. Federal firearms licensees in the States of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas will complete the forms for those transactions when an individual purchases two or more of these rifles within five business days. We intend to evaluate the results at the end of a 1 year pilot period.
As mentioned in the notice, if granted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the emergency approval of the form is valid for 180 days. All comments received in response to the notice will be carefully considered and, if warranted, revisions to the form will be made.