2018-03868. Application of the Definition of Machinegun to ``Bump Fire'' Stocks and Other Similar Devices  

  • Memorandum of February 20, 2018

    Application of the Definition of Machinegun to “Bump Fire” Stocks and Other Similar Devices

    Memorandum for the Attorney General

    After the deadly mass murder in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 1, 2017, I asked my Administration to fully review how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulates bump fire stocks and similar devices.

    Although the Obama Administration repeatedly concluded that particular bump stock type devices were lawful to purchase and possess, I sought further clarification of the law restricting fully automatic machineguns.

    Accordingly, following established legal protocols, the Department of Justice started the process of promulgating a Federal regulation interpreting the definition of “machinegun” under Federal law to clarify whether certain bump stock type devices should be illegal. The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2017. Public comment concluded on January 25, 2018, with the Department of Justice receiving over 100,000 comments.

    Today, I am directing the Department of Justice to dedicate all available resources to complete the review of the comments received, and, as expeditiously as possible, to propose for notice and comment a rule banning all devices that turn legal weapons into machineguns.

    Although I desire swift and decisive action, I remain committed to the rule of law and to the procedures the law prescribes. Doing this the right way will ensure that the resulting regulation is workable and effective and leaves no loopholes for criminals to exploit. I would ask that you keep me regularly apprised of your progress.

    Start Printed Page 7950

    You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

      THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 20, 2018 Filed 2-22-18; 8:45 am]

    [FR Doc. 2018-03868

    Billing code 4410-19-P

Document Information

Published:
02/23/2018
Department:
Executive Office of the President
Entry Type:
Presidential Document
Document Type:
Memorandum
Document Number:
2018-03868
Pages:
7949-7950 (2 pages)
EOCitation:
of 2018-02-20
PDF File:
2018-03868.pdf