Texas Judge Blocks Biden Administration’s New Background Check Rule

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked a new Biden administration rule that mandates background checks and licenses for gun dealers at shows and venues outside traditional stores.

AMARILLO, TEXAS (4-minute read) — A federal judge in Texas has issued a temporary block on a new rule from the Biden administration that would require gun dealers to conduct background checks and secure licenses when selling firearms at shows and other venues outside of traditional gun stores.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s order, effective until June 2, applies to Texas and members of some gun rights groups, including Gun Owners of America. However, the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Utah will not receive relief at this stage of the litigation.

Judge Kacsmaryk stated that the new rule conflicts with the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded the categories of gun sellers required to obtain licenses. He criticized the rule for failing to exempt individuals buying or selling guns for personal protection, as the Act’s “safe harbor” provision was intended to apply to those handling firearms for personal collections.

The judge highlighted that this interpretation effectively removes the safe harbor protections for most gun owners, creating significant legal risks.

President Biden, defending the rule, asserted it aims to “keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons,” adding that his administration is committed to saving lives through such regulations.

The administration anticipates that the rule will compel an additional 20,000 firearms dealers to perform background checks, supplementing the 80,000 already federally registered dealers complying with these requirements.

Safety Tip: Always stay informed about federal and state firearms regulations to ensure responsible and lawful gun ownership.