What are the Five Most Impactful Proposed Rules from the ATF’s New Era of Reform Proposed Rule Set?
DISCLAIMER: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a licensed Texas attorney before taking ANY action related to firearms ownership. This post is not intended to promote the use of firearms for unlawful purposes. This post does not create an attorney-client relationship.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) unveiled a new set of 34 proposed rule changes dubbed “ATF’s New Era of Reform” at the end of April of 2026. While each proposed rule will have an impact on firearm ownership when adopted, the NFA Interstate Travel Rules Revisions, Joint Registration for Spouses for NFA Items, Pistol Brace Rules Being Vacated, Modernization of Form 4473, and Dropping Import Restrictions for Certain Countries stand to make the biggest impact when adopted.
1. NFA Interstate Travel Rules
Previously, an individual would have to fill out ATF Form 5320.20, colloquially referred to as a “Form 20”, to transport NFA items across state lines for any length of time, and could not leave until ATF approval was given for that travel. Now, the ATF has proposed the following changes:
Under the proposal, individuals transporting NFA firearms for short-term purposes (365 days or fewer) would no longer be required to submit advance notice to ATF or await approval before departing. Individuals transporting NFA firearms for long-term purposes (more than 365 days) or permanent relocation would still submit notice but would not need to await ATF approval before transporting. This change to ATF Form 5320.20 (Form 20), per 27 CFR § 478.28, is intended to remove an unnecessary regulatory burden on law-abiding NFA firearm owners without affecting applicable federal, state, or local legal requirements.
ATF, 1140-AA89, Interstate Transport and Temporary Export of National Firearms Act – NPRM https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/atf-launches-new-era-reform/reduce-burden#03P
This will allow NFA item owners to travel more freely for shooting competitions, hunting, and other relevant travel with significantly less hassle. This item, in particular, was a significant drawback and common complaint with NFA item ownership.
2. Joint Registration for Spouses on NFA Items
Another significant change is the allowance of Joint Registration of Spouses for NFA items; previously, only an individual, trust, or corporation could register for an NFA item. Now, spouses can register together and jointly use an NFA item, which previously could only be accomplished through a trust or corporation registration:
ATF is proposing to allow married couples to file a joint application as makers and/or transferees of NFA-regulated firearms. Under current regulations, spouses who wish to jointly possess an NFA firearm typically establish a legal trust to do so, a process that involves legal expense and administrative complexity. This proposal would allow both spouses to be registered jointly as possessors without creating a trust. Under a joint registration, the transfer of a firearm between spouses would not constitute a separate NFA transfer, reducing both administrative burden and cost for law-abiding NFA firearm owners.
ATF, 1140-AB00: Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act – NPRM https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/atf-launches-new-era-reform/reduce-burden#03P
3. Pistol Brace Regulations Vacated
Following significant legal battles over the 2023 rules regarding stabilizing braces, the ATF has proposed to vacate all regulations regarding those items, putting pistol braces back in the hands of lawful firearms owners as a valid option for use on their firearms:
ATF is proposing to formally rescind regulatory changes made in 2023 regarding firearms equipped with stabilizing braces. Multiple federal courts have found that the 2023 rule – as codified in 27 CFR 478.11 and 479.11 – violated the Administrative Procedure Act, and the rule has been enjoined, stayed, or vacated across numerous jurisdictions. This proposal removes regulatory language that has been largely unenforceable, restoring the regulatory definitions to be consistent with the underlying statutory definitions.
ATF, 1140-AA98: Removing Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces” - NPRM https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/atf-launches-new-era-reform/repeal
4. Modernizing Form 4473
For anyone who has purchased a firearm, the paper Form 4473 is a universal part of the process. With many other forms going digital, the ATF has now proposed digitizing Form 4473. This allows for a significant overhaul and streamlining of most parts of the process of buying a firearm:
ATF is proposing comprehensive updates to ATF Form 4473 (the Firearms Transaction Record required for all commercial firearms transfers) and its implementing regulations. The proposed rule would streamline identity and residency verification requirements for transferees; increase the time period for which a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check remains valid; clarify exceptions to background checks; permit electronic notice; and authorize the use of electronic forms, auto-population, and digital record attachments. The proposed rule would also incorporate ATF rulings and other guidance to align regulations with their authorizing statutory text as well as make minor technical revisions. These updates reflect modern business practices and are intended to reduce administrative burden on law-abiding citizens and businesses, while maintaining robust safeguards against unlawful transfers.
ATF, 1140-AA82: Revising Firearms Transaction Record, “Form 4473” – NPRM
https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/atf-launches-new-era-reform/modernize
5. Dropping of Import Restrictions for Certain Countries
A major hassle for firearms owners in recent years has been restrictions on former Soviet/Eastern European countries importing firearms and ammunition into the United States. While not removing all countries from these restrictions (the Russian Federation remains on the list of restricted countries), many other countries are proposed to be removed. This change will have a major impact on the U.S. firearms market, especially for collectors and owners of “Eastern Bloc” firearms and ammunition:
ATF is proposing to update the import restrictions applicable to certain countries under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The proposed rule would remove the existing, static list of proscribed countries from which ATF denies applications to permanently import defense articles and services, replacing it with a dynamic reference to the Department of State’s list of proscribed countries. This ensures ATF’s import restrictions remain current and consistent with State Department designations without requiring separate ATF rulemaking each time the list changes. The rule also proposes to remove the list of former Soviet countries from which ATF currently denies applications to permanently import most firearms and ammunition, retaining only the Russian Federation as a proscribed country of origin for these imports.
ATF, 1140-AA91: Update to Proscribed Countries for Import Restrictions - NPRM https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/atf-launches-new-era-reform/align
Final Thoughts
Each of the above proposed ATF rule changes has the potential to make a significant impact on lawful NFA item owners and firearms owners in the United States. Many firearms owners have been clamoring for changes in this mold for decades, and these changes could truly deliver on the ATF’s stated mission to modernize the rules for firearms owners across the country.
It is important to note that all the rules listed and discussed above are currently only proposed and have not yet undergone the approval process as of May 14, 2026.
If these proposed rules may affect you, consult with a qualified attorney. Compliance with the National Firearms Act and ATF rules, as well as all state and federal regulations, is mandatory.