Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking a stand against a new federal gun rule, arguing that it will financially impact the state. The rule, finalized by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in April, expands the definition of a firearms dealer requiring a license and background checks.
Moody’s office contends that this rule will lead to a decrease in gun show attendance, affecting state sales-tax revenue from admission fees.
They also argue that the rule will place a greater burden on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which conducts background checks for the state.
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The federal government has challenged Florida’s lawsuit, claiming the state lacks standing to challenge the rule. They argue that any potential decrease in gun show attendance could be attributed to various factors, not just the new rule. Additionally, they consider any increased burden on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be “self-inflicted harm” due to the state’s decision to conduct its own background checks.
Moody’s office, however, insists that the state’s injuries directly result from the new rule and not simply due to their choice to manage background checks independently.
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The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex relationship between state and federal gun regulations, with Florida pushing back against what it perceives as an overreach by the federal government.
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