Comment on FR Doc # 2026-08918

Re: Proposed Rulemaking – Clarification of State Firearms Permit Qualifications as NICS Alternatives To: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)Department of Justice I am writing today in strong support of the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) proposed amendments regarding state firearms permit qualifications as alternatives to National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks. This proposed rule is a practical, well-conceived update that delivers clear benefits to federal, state, and local entities: Legal Clarity and Statutory Alignment: Aligning regulatory language strictly with the underlying statutory text of the Gun Control Act (GCA) eliminates unnecessary ambiguity. Clear definitions ensure consistent application across all 50 states and territories. Enhanced Public Safety: Providing unambiguous criteria for NICS-exempt permits ensures that state-level permit systems maintain rigorous, ongoing background check standards. This guarantees that individuals possessing qualifying permits continue to meet all legal requirements to possess firearms. Administrative Efficiency: Streamlining these guidelines reduces administrative friction for state licensing authorities, Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), and law enforcement, allowing regulatory resources to be focused where they matter most. By establishing clear, precise guidelines, the ATF supports responsible gun ownership while upholding robust public safety standards. I fully support the adoption of this proposed regulation as written and commend the Bureau for its work to modernize and clarify these administrative rules. Respectfully submitted, Michael R. Grigsby