Texas Judge Halts Biden’s Enforcement of New Gun Sale Rule

A recent ruling by a federal judge has halted the implementation of a new rule by the Biden administration in Texas. This rule would have required firearms dealers to conduct background checks on buyers at gun shows and other venues outside traditional stores.

The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. The ruling, which came before the rule was due to take effect, also prevents the federal government from enforcing the rule against gun-rights groups such as Gun Owners of America. The ruling does not affect Louisiana, Mississippi, and Utah, which were also involved in the lawsuit.

Judge Kacsmaryk expressed concern that the rule may impose penalties on lawful conduct, stating, “Plaintiffs understandably fear that these presumptions will trigger civil or criminal penalties for conduct deemed lawful just yesterday.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Justice Department have not made any comments regarding the ruling. Meanwhile, twenty-six Republican attorneys general have filed lawsuits to block the enforcement of the rule, citing violations of the Second Amendment and questioning President Biden’s authority to implement such a rule.

The new rule was meant to address loopholes in gun sales that have allowed unlicensed dealers to sell guns without conducting background checks on buyers. It is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to combat gun violence.

Gun Owners of America praised the ruling as a “compelling rebuke” of the administration’s actions. The rule was proposed in August and received over 380,000 public comments before facing legal challenges.

President Biden has emphasized the importance of universal background checks to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. The ruling in Texas is one of several cases where Judge Kacsmaryk has ruled against the Biden administration on various issues.