Welcome to a weekly series here on Pew Pew Tactical dedicated to the gun news you need to know.
So, keep reading for this week’s notable news headlines…
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80 Percent Arms Puts Legal Issues to Rest in California
80 Percent Arms, under Blackhawk Manufacturing Group, settled its dispute with California over 80% frames and receivers.
The company announced the ongoing legal battle with former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who was ousted from office in 2022 in a recall election, finally ended. Boudin claimed the company’s frames and receivers were “firearms.”
Spending over $2.5 million in legal fees, the group was dedicated to fighting the state’s insistence that they disclose customer data. Ultimately, the case was settled with a $500,000 settlement, which concluded the litigation.
“This case has now come to a close after intense litigation. Our refusal to disclose customer data, even in the face of substantial legal costs to keep customer data private, underscores our dedication to privacy,” the company said in a press release.
“Throughout this challenging period, BMG has consistently upheld its principles, dedicating over 2.5 million dollars toward legal expenses aimed at safeguarding customer information from the State of California.”
The group said its focus now returns to supplying its California customers with products and continuing the fight to defend the Second Amendment.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the case regarding the ATF Ruling on 80% parts and kits in October.
Post Office Can Now Process Electronic Fingerprinting for NICS Appeals
The U.S. Postal Service now offers electronic fingerprinting for Americans who are appealing an NICS denial.
In total, 764 postal locations across the U.S. offer electronic fingerprinting, with over 50 more expected to be added in the coming weeks. The postal service expects 4,000 locations with the capability to process fingerprints over the next two years. The fee for this service is a flat $50.
The ability to submit electronic fingerprints through the post office is due to an interagency agreement between the U.S. Postal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – the department that manages the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Those denied under NICS can now register on the eDO website, opt for the “USPS fingerprinting,” and complete the online registration process. From there, visit the local participating post office with a government ID and email confirmation. The electronic fingerprints will be attached to the challenge in the eDO system.
The FBI reports that in 2022, 25,000 NICS applicants were denied, with 30% overturned upon appeal.
Vermont House Targets So-Called “Ghost Guns”
The Vermont House set its eyes on so-called “ghost guns” this week, passing a measure requiring serializing guns made with individual parts and kits or produced by 3D printers.
Under the bill, violators would be subject to fines of $50 up to $5,000 or even prison time, depending on the situation.
Supporters of the measure say the crackdown will help prevent prohibited persons from accessing firearms to use in crimes and create a loophole in case the Supreme Court overturns the ATF’s ruling on ghost guns.
“A gunmaker may have no criminal intent whatsoever, but there is still a chance that that gun may one day be stolen, and therefore a serial number is just a manner of course for responsible gun ownership,” Rep. Angela Arsenault (D) said.
“As a legislative body we have no such restrictions and since this rule may be struck down we need to act now to keep these protections in place,”
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) said the bill has merits but “doesn’t think most parts will actually have any real impact given the difficulty of enforcement of possession,” his spokesperson, Jason Maulucci, told MSN.
Opponents have been more outspoken, condemning the bill for its impact on law-abiding gun owners.
“It is only going to be encumbering on the citizens who will follow this law and will have no impact on criminals,” Chris Bradley, president of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Club, said. “Criminals have been getting guns illegally … stealing them, trading drugs for them, whatever.”
The bill now moves into the state Senate for debate.
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