New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has taken the lead in a coalition of over a dozen states to safeguard critical federal firearm safety measures that could be rolled back under the incoming Trump administration. The state coalition has stepped in to protect two major policies implemented by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), aimed at curbing gun violence nationwide.

At the center of the effort is a federal ban on Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs), a controversial firearm modification device that effectively converts semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons capable of firing at speeds exceeding many military-grade firearms. Attorney General Platkin emphasized the potential risks, citing New Jersey cases where similar devices have been linked to shootings and public safety threats. In one instance, a shooter equipped with an FRT fired 28 rounds in just over one second, injuring multiple people.

Platkin’s legal action comes after a federal judge in Texas ruled that FRTs do not qualify as machineguns under federal law. If upheld, this decision could nullify ATF’s enforcement efforts, leading to a wider distribution of these devices. With the Trump administration signaling its intent to abandon defense of such federal safety measures, Platkin and his coalition are taking proactive steps to prevent the proliferation of FRTs.

The second policy under threat involves expanded background checks for firearm dealers, as mandated by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This rule broadens the scope of gun sellers required to conduct criminal background checks and maintain sales records. The ATF estimates that tens of thousands of previously unlicensed dealers would now fall under these requirements, helping law enforcement trace firearms used in crimes. However, President-elect Trump’s campaign rhetoric suggests his administration may withdraw support for this rule, raising concerns about increased illegal gun sales.

Platkin described the effort as a fight to ensure public safety in the face of federal inaction. “When federal partners step back, states must step up,” he said. Governor Phil Murphy echoed these sentiments, touting New Jersey’s record-low gun violence rates and commitment to defending common-sense policies that save lives.

Joining New Jersey in these legal filings are states including Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, and Washington, among others. Platkin’s leadership builds on ongoing efforts to combat illegal firearms, including recent lawsuits against manufacturers like Glock for producing pistols that can be easily modified into machineguns.