Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced a collaborative effort involving more than a dozen states to uphold two significant policies established by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). These actions aim to safeguard federal firearm safety measures amidst concerns that the incoming Trump Administration may not defend them.

The first measure under defense is ATF's prohibition of "Forced Reset Triggers" (FRTs), described as "machinegun conversion devices" that enable firearms to be converted into fully automatic weapons. The second is ATF’s “engaged in the business” rule, part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This rule broadens the category of gun dealers required to conduct criminal background checks on purchasers and maintain sales records for law enforcement purposes.

“Protecting our residents and combating gun violence has always been my top priority — resulting in two years running of record-low shootings,” said Attorney General Platkin. He emphasized the need for state intervention due to potential changes in federal policy: “Any time the Trump Administration stands down to the gun industry, state Attorneys General will stand up for Americans across our country in the battle to end the gun violence epidemic.”

Governor Phil Murphy echoed this sentiment, stating, “Since day one, our administration has been committed to creating safer communities for all of our residents."

The use of machinegun conversion devices like FRTs has been linked to violent crimes and mass shootings across the United States. Despite federal prohibitions since 1975, at least 100,000 FRTs have been distributed nationwide. New Jersey reports 26 criminal cases involving these devices.

In 2024, a Texas federal judge ruled that FRTs do not qualify as machineguns and barred ATF from enforcing related actions against certain entities. An appeal is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Today's filing aims to mitigate risks posed by military-style machineguns if federal support wanes under new leadership. Attorney General Platkin's action complements his legal efforts against Glock over similar public safety concerns.

Joining New Jersey are states including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Additionally discussed is ATF’s implementation of a rule requiring expanded background checks under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed by President Joe Biden in 2022. This change could affect up to 95,505 previously unlicensed individuals who now need federal licenses for firearm sales.

President-elect Trump criticized such regulations during his campaign and suggested plans to withdraw support for them upon taking office. In response New Jersey alongside other states seeks judicial intervention to preserve these regulations aimed at curbing gun violence.

States joining Attorney General Platkin include Arizona among others listed previously involved in related filings regarding firearm regulations.