Justice Department Halts Enforcement of Firearm Registration Rules Following Court Ruling
The Justice Department will no longer enforce federal registration rules for firearm silencers and certain guns after a court ruling struck down provisions of a key law.
Burlington Plattsburgh, VT, October 9, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Justice has announced it will cease enforcing federal registration requirements for firearm silencers and specific types of firearms. This policy shift follows a court decision that invalidated certain provisions of a key law.
The Justice Department’s decision means that federal agencies will no longer pursue enforcement actions related to the registration of these items. The action stems from a court ruling that determined specific parts of a significant law to be unlawful.
Details regarding the specific court case, the name of the law affected, and the exact provisions that were struck down were not immediately available. The scope of “certain guns” subject to this change also requires further clarification.
Federal registration requirements, particularly for items like silencers (also known as suppressors), have historically been governed by laws such as the National Firearms Act (NFA). The NFA mandates that individuals must register these items, pay a tax stamp, and undergo a background check. The recent court ruling appears to have impacted these established processes.
The implications of this ruling and the subsequent halt in enforcement by the Justice Department are expected to be significant for firearm owners, manufacturers, and dealers. The exact timeline for when the non-enforcement policy takes effect and any potential legislative or administrative responses from the government are pending.
Story summarized from the original created by ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, Associated Press on www.mychamplainvalley.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
