New Law Affects Dealers Since the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” was signed into law many firearms dealers have been inquiring how the law affects them in comparison to manufacturers. “The Act provides protection to dealers against ‘junk’ lawsuits to the same extent it does manufacturers,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF general counsel and senior vice president. “We've been contacted by many dealer members asking whether the law applies to them as well. The answer is yes.” One section of the law, titled the “Child Safety Lock Act of 2005,” will require dealers to provide all handgun purchasers with a safety device. This part of the law will go into effect in April. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is currently drafting regulations to implement this new requirement. Click here to read the entire text of the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” in PDF format.