Together with partner states, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the submission of 15 multistate comment letters challenging new rules proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that would comprehensively weaken and dismantle federal firearm regulations. On April 29, 2026, ATF announced 34 rulemaking actions — the most the agency has ever introduced at one time — that ATF refers to as a “New Era of Reform.” ATF’s package includes proposed and final rules affecting nearly every part of the federal government’s existing firearm regulatory scheme. 

“Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens. ATF should be stepping up to strengthen firearm industry oversight and enforcement tools, instead of comprehensively gutting vital protections and undermining the work of law enforcement. We urge ATF to withdraw the challenged proposals and preserve transparency, accountability, and enforcement…” – AG Bonta