Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the federal government over its reversal of an enforcement policy on forced-reset triggers (FRTs), which are firearm components previously classified as illegal machine guns. The plaintiffs argue that the policy change violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it lacks reasoned analysis, fails to consider safety risks, and was implemented without proper notice and comment. They also assert it undermines gun violence prevention and abdicates federal duties under the Gun Control Act and National Firearms Act. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the non-enforcement policy is unlawful, an order vacating it, and injunctive relief to compel enforcement.
An initial motion for a preliminary injunction was filed but later withdrawn on July 11, 2025. This withdrawal followed declarations from the federal government and nonfederal defendants stating they would not return or sell FRTs in states where they are illegal. Rare Breed Triggers Inc. also committed not to sell or distribute FRTs in plaintiff states. The case is currently stayed through February 19, 2026.
