The ATF’s sweeping 34-rule reform package — the agency’s largest regulatory overhaul in its history — continues to dominate the firearm policy landscape, with FFL verification changes and a proposed direct-to-buyer shipping rule among the most transfer-relevant items. Meanwhile, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Colorado all have major new restrictions taking effect July 1, leaving gun owners and dealers less than four weeks to prepare.

Today’s Headlines

• ATF FFL eZ Check Rule (Final): FFLs transferring firearms to other FFLs may now verify the transferee’s license via ATF’s online eZ Check system instead of requiring a certified paper copy, removing a common source of delay in dealer-to-dealer transfers. Source: atf.gov
• ATF Proposed Direct-to-Buyer Shipping Rule (NOTC): A proposed rule (RIN 1140-AB05) would allow same-state FFLs to ship firearms directly to verified buyers after Form 4473 and NICS are completed remotely, with a 7-day waiting period still applying. Source: ammoland.com
• ATF Narrows “Fugitive from Justice” NICS Prohibition (Final): The redefined standard limits the federal firearm bar to individuals who have crossed state lines to evade felony prosecution, eliminating denials based solely on minor outstanding warrants such as traffic failures-to-appear. Source: gunsandgadgetsdaily.com
• NFA Tax Stamp — Suppressors Now $0: An ATF final rule published May 8 formally aligns regulations with the statutory elimination of the $200 tax stamp for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs; the change was effective January 1, 2026. Source: yournews.com
• Virginia Assault Weapons Ban & Magazine Cap (Effective July 1): Virginia will ban future sales of assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds, raise the handgun purchase age to 21, and restore universal background checks; firearms owned before July 1 are grandfathered. Source: virginiamercury.com
• Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban (Effective July 1): Rhode Island’s S 359 restricts manufacture, sale, purchase, and possession of defined assault weapons, with an exemption for firearms lawfully owned before the effective date. Source: usconcealedcarry.com
• Colorado Semi-Auto Purchase Card & Ammo Age Restriction: Starting July 1, Colorado raises the minimum ammunition purchase age to 21; starting August 1, buyers of most semi-automatic firearms must first obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. Source: usconcealedcarry.com

What This Means for Gun Owners

FFLs handling dealer-to-dealer transfers should begin using the eZ Check system now, as the old certified-copy process is no longer required. Residents of Virginia, Rhode Island, and Colorado have less than four weeks to complete any purchases that will be restricted after July 1. The NOTC shipping rule remains a proposal — public comment periods are open, and no operational changes should be made until a final rule is published. SCOTUS decisions in Hemani and Wolford v. Lopez could further reshape federal prohibited-person standards and carry rights before July.

Key Dates to Watch

• Late June 2026: SCOTUS decisions expected in United States v. Hemani (drug-user gun ban) and Wolford v. Lopez (carry on private property)
• July 1, 2026: Virginia assault weapons ban and 15-round magazine cap take effect
• July 1, 2026: Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act takes effect
• July 1, 2026: Colorado minimum ammunition purchase age rises to 21
• August 1, 2026: Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirement takes effect for most semi-automatic firearm purchases

Sources

• justice.gov — DOJ and ATF Announce Regulatory Reforms
• atf.gov — ATF Launches New Era of Reform
• ammoland.com — New ATF Rule Will Allow Firearms to Be Shipped to Your Door
• gunsandgadgetsdaily.com — DOJ/ATF Rules April 2026
• yournews.com — ATF Publishes Final Rule on Changes to National Firearms Act
• virginiamercury.com — Spanberger Signs Sweeping Gun Legislation
• usconcealedcarry.com — Gun Laws 2026: Bills to Watch

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