Missouri sues ATF over suppressor, short-barreled rifle restrictions
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Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is suing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, challenging federal registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled rifles.
Hanaway announced the lawsuit Tuesday, arguing the federal government can no longer justify portions of the National Firearms Act after Congress reduced the federal tax on several regulated firearms and devices to zero.
That act has historically required owners of suppressors, short-barreled rifles and certain other weapons to register them with the federal government and receive approval before a transfer.
Hanaway argues those requirements were tied to Congress’ power to collect the tax and should no longer remain in place now that the tax has been eliminated.
“A government that respects the Constitution has empowered, law-abiding citizens who can protect themselves and their families,” Hanaway said. “It does not paper over rights with red tape.”
The lawsuit also argues the restrictions violate the Second Amendment.
The challenge comes after a federal judge in Texas ruled in August that some National Firearms Act registration requirements could not be enforced against parties covered by that case after the tax was eliminated. That ruling did not broadly eliminate the requirements nationwide.
