Residency Requirements for Persons Acquiring Firearms (97R-687P)

This temporary rule amends the regulations to provide for a firearms purchaser's affirmative statement of his or her State of residence on ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) and ATF Form 5300.35 (Statement of Intent to Obtain a Handgun) in acquiring a firearm from a Federal firearms licensee. The temporary rule also amends the regulations to require that aliens purchasing a firearm provide proof of residency through the use of substantiating documentation, such as utility bills or a lease agreement. In addition, the regulations are being amended to require that licensees examine a photo identification document from aliens purchasing firearms. Finally, the definition of ``State of residence'' is being amended to eliminate the language allowing aliens to establish residency by obtaining a letter from their embassy or consulate. The definition is also being amended to define more clearly ``State of residence.'' These regulations implement President Clinton's March 5, 1997, announcement of firearms initiatives intended to protect the American public from gun violence. The temporary rule will remain in effect until superseded by final regulations. In the same separate part of this Federal Register, ATF is also issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking inviting comments on the temporary rule for a 90-day period following the publication date of this temporary rule.