Proposed Regulations Concerning a National Repository
For Arson and Explosives Information

Washington, DC - Washington - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) announces that it is proposing to amend Federal explosives regulations to implement the provision of Public Law 104-208, relating to a national repository for information on explosives incidents and arson. The proposed regulations implement the law by requiring all Federal agencies having information concerning incidents involving arson and the suspected criminal misuse of explosives to report that information to ATF.

Public Law 104-208, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a national repository of information on arson and explosives incidents. The Secretary has tasked ATF with establishing and maintaining the repository. While the law requires all Federal agencies having information on arson and explosives incidents to report the information to the Secretary, it also provides that the repository will contain information on incidents voluntarily reported to the Secretary by State and local authorities.

ATF invites public comments on the proposed regulations. The comment period will be open for 90 days, until February 13, 2002. Any person wishing to comment on any of the proposed rules may do so by writing:

Chief, Regulations Division
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
P.O. Box 50221
Washington, DC 20091-0221
ATTN: Notice No. 933

Click here to read the full text of the Notice, or visit the ATF website at: www.atf.treas.gov