POLITICS - H.R. 4900, the BATF Reform & Modernization Ac

[Hobie]

I received the following from my Congressman after writing him on this subject:

Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 4900, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. It is good to hear from you, and I am pleased to inform you that I have cosponsored this legislation.



I am an avid supporter of gun owners' rights which is one of the reasons why I closely review all legislation that comes before the House of Representatives on this matter. I am concerned that various agencies and departments within the federal government continue to support policies that would encroach upon our Second Amendment rights. As a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, I will closely monitor the progress of any legislation and international efforts that would restrict the ability of law-abiding citizens to possess a firearm.



As you may know, H.R. 4900 was introduced by Representative Steven King of Iowa, and would make several adjustments to the BATFE's operational jurisdiction. Specifically, this legislation would require the Attorney General to make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial, and establish guidelines for BATFE inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations.



H.R. 4900 would also prohibits BATFE from disclosing information on firearms purchasers other than to a court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor, restrict the disclosure of information in the BATFE firearms trace system database, and prohibit taxes or user fees for background checks under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. This legislation would also eliminate the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor where a parent or legal guardian is present.



In addition, this legislation would permit an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory, allow the transfer and possession of machineguns for use by federal security contractors, increase penalties for possession of firearms by felons with prior convictions of a crime of violence or a serious drug offense, and require any state agency that stores or keeps explosive materials to report to the Attorney General on the location and amount of the materials.



H.R. 4900 was introduced on December 19, 2007, and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and Ways and Means. No further action has taken place. Rest assured, as a cosponsor of this legislation and a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, I will work hard to see this important legislation signed into law.



I appreciate you taking the time to contact me. I feel it is important to keep an open line of communication so I can best serve the interests of the 6th District. I hope you will continue to be in touch as the 110th Congress debates issues of importance to the United States.



Again, thanks for the benefit of your comments. Please feel free to contact me whenever I may be of assistance.




Sincerely,

Bob Goodlatte
Member of Congress

Hope you guys will write your congress-critter.

[jnyork]

Already done, thanks Hobie.

[Hobie]

Already done, thanks Hobie.

Some guys are on the ball, some have yet to get the "word". Thanks for the effort, it might pay off some day.

[AJMD429]

I hadn't heard about HR 4900, so I checked Gunowners.org, and this page summarizes all the current legislation, for those interested:

http://gunowners.org/110anatb.htm

I changed e-mails awhile back, and I don't think my GOA 'Legislative Alerts' got updated. It is a useful service from GOA.

Here's where you can sign up: http://gunowners.org/ean.htm

[Tycer]

No reply from mine.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Wow ... both sides seem to spend a lot of time thinking about gun laws. I wish they would both spend some time focused on more pressing issues ... surely there are a few more important things to get done.