26 States File Lawsuits in Federal Courts Over ATF Redefinition of Gun Dealers

Lawsuits claim rule violates Administrative Procedures Act and U.S. Constitution, ask courts to block rule and declare it unconstitutional.

Democratic lawmakers put their arms around one another as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announces the final vote count for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in the House of Representatives in Washington on June 24, 2022. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Attorneys general representing half of the country sued the Biden administration on May 1 over a new rule requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales, including private sales.

Lawsuits in Florida, Texas, and Arkansas are asking the courts to block a rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that redefines “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms.