NFA Gun Trust Lawyer Blog
It looks like an attempt to remove the CLEO certification by the NFATCA which began in 2009 has backfired and now the ATF is wanting a modified CLEO signature, NICS check, fingerprint cards, photograph, certificate of citizenship for every responsible party of a fictitious entity. You can obtain a copy of the proposed rule here
While ATF already has a definition of responsible party for dealers, they are proposing the following for fictitious entities:
Depending on the context, the term “responsible party” includes any individual, including any grantor, trustee, beneficiary, partner, member, officer, director, board member, owner, shareholder, or manager, who possesses, directly or indirectly, the power or authority under any trust instrument, contract, agreement, article, certificate, bylaw, or instrument, or under state law, to receive, possess, ship, transport, deliver, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a firearm for, or on behalf of the entity.
As far as the modified CLEO, the ATF seeks public comments regarding whcther it is feasible to ask CLEOs to certify that they are satisfied that the photographs and fingerprints match those of the responsible person.
For example, some responsible persons may bring their fingerprint cards to the CLEO once already stamped, and some legal entities may have the paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs for each of their responsible persons couriered to the CLEO office. In such instances, ATF seeks comments on whether CLEOs will have enough information to certify that they are satisfied that the photographs and fingerprints match those of the responsible persons, or if changes are needed to this proposal.
If you plan on submitting comments the ATF, the Prince Law Firm has a good guide and recommendations that they have posted. It might be a good idea to see if your CLEO would sign such a document, perhaps enough comments indicating that their CLEO would not sign such a document may make a difference.
Remember the ATF has not yet changed the rules and is only at the beginning stages of changing the rules and forms.
If you are considering purchasing a Title II firearm, you might want to do so before any changes are implemented. Several times in the past there have been proposed changes that were not implemented but it does seem likely that there will be some changes in the future.
If and when changes are made and implemented, we will be able to address them in our documents appropriately. Our ArmsGuard Protector allows us to make these types of changes even if your trust is irrevocable. If your trust does not have an ArmsGuard Protection you may want to contact us about adding one.