Rules of Practice in Explosives License and Permit Proceedings (2007R-5P); Revisions reflecting changes consistent with the Homeland Security Act of 2002

The Department of Justice proposes to codify existing Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) procedures and practices in connection with the disapproval of initial applications, denials of renewal, and revocations of explosives licenses or permits under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40. Existing practice on these issues was developed when ATF was a part of the Treasury Department, and at that time ATF relied on existing Treasury regulations (27 CFR Part 71, applicable to alcohol permits and licenses) to guide the procedures and practices for explosives licenses and permits. This rule will place the relevant regulations within the Department of Justice framework, and will explicitly address administrative actions and licensing processes for explosives matters. The Department proposes relying heavily on the Treasury regulations on which its current practices are based, with minor non-substantive revisions, for example, removal of all references to statutes, regulations, positions or other such nomenclature that is applicable only to Treasury.