‘Bump stock’ ban in works

The White House proposes regulations to prohibit ownership.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration Saturday took a step toward possibly banning “bump stocks,” proposing new regulations to prohibit ownership of the controversial equipment that allows semiautomatic rifles to fire at automatic speeds.

Under the proposed rule from the Department of Justice, bump stocks would be classified as machine guns that are currently banned under federal law.

“President Trump is absolutely committed to ensuring the safety and security of every American,” Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said in a statement. It’s unclear whether the proposal will survive the review process, which involves a legal analysis and a period of public comment.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has previously said it cannot regulate bump stocks unless Congress passes a new law to give the agency more authority.

However, Trump has insisted that he wants a ban. “I don’t care if Congress does it,” he said last month. “I’m writing it out myself, OK?”

The Las Vegas shooter who killed 58 people and wounded hundreds more at a country music festival on Oct. 1 used at least one bump stock. The gunman fired hundreds of rounds.

After the Las Vegas shooting, Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Washington called for the regulation or banning of bump stocks, but legislation has not advanced in Congress. Some states and municipalities, however, have taken the lead. Massachusetts and New Jersey have since banned bump stocks. So did the Denver City Council in February.

A sweeping $400-million school safety bill signed Friday in Florida by Gov. Rick Scott bans the sale or possession of bump stocks.

The National Rifle Assn., which generally opposes gun-control measures, has indicated a willingness to compromise on bump stocks. But the group said tighter controls should be accomplished through regulations implemented by the ATF, not through new federal laws.