ATF Corrects Legal Citation in Firearm Manufacturing Rule

You might care about this because the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, also known as the ATF, published a correction in the Federal Register. This correction relates to a rule titled 'Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application.' The original rule was published earlier, on May 6, 2026. This new document simply fixes a mistake in the legal references, specifically the 'Authority citation' for Section 479 of 27 CFR Part 479. The corrected citation now clearly lists the specific sections of the U.S. Code that give the ATF the power to make this rule. This kind of correction ensures that all official government documents are accurate and legally sound. It is a procedural step to maintain the integrity of federal regulations. This action does not change the substance of the underlying rule about approving making applications for firearms, but rather clarifies the legal basis for that rule. It ensures that the specific statutory powers cited are correct and up to date. This is important for anyone who needs to understand the legal foundations of ATF regulations. This document is particularly interesting because it highlights how government agencies ensure their rules are legally precise. While it is a small correction, it shows that agencies like the ATF regularly review and update their published regulations. Even a minor error in a legal citation can have consequences for how a rule is interpreted or challenged. By correcting the authority citation for 27 CFR Part 479, the ATF is reinforcing the legal basis of its 'Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application' rule. This is important for maintaining public trust in regulatory processes and for legal clarity. It reassures the public that even technical details are scrutinized. It also demonstrates the strict standards required for publishing official federal rules. Such corrections prevent future legal ambiguities or challenges based on incorrect statutory references. It underscores the importance of accuracy in all government publications, even when the underlying policy remains unchanged. This correction would be of interest to several groups. First, legal professionals specializing in firearms law or administrative law would find it relevant. They need to ensure they are referring to the most accurate and up-to-date legal citations when advising clients or interpreting regulations. Second, individuals or businesses involved in the manufacturing or transfer of firearms, who are subject to ATF regulations, would want to be aware of this. While it is a technical correction, it pertains to the legal foundation of rules that affect their operations. Third, government employees, particularly those involved in regulatory compliance or legal departments within federal agencies, would find this document informative as an example of regulatory maintenance. Finally, researchers or academics studying government regulations, legal drafting, or the legislative process might also find this useful for understanding how regulatory documents are managed and corrected over time.