By Tanya Metaksa
What’s New—Jennifer Mascott’s confirmation has not yet been finalized; Biden’s ATF malfeasance, Senator Grassley’s oversight, and Trump’s DOJ to the rescue; California: All four anti-Second Amendment bills are on their way to Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom must hear from his constituents to veto these bills: AB 1078, AB 112, AB 1263, and SB 704. As of late September 2025, Michigan’s legislature has seen several proposed gun-related bills introduced or advancing through committees. In North Carolina, the veto override vote of SB50 has been rescheduled for Oct. 20. It appears that the votes for the override are very shaky. Virgin Islands: Bill-38-0144: This bill would make the ownership of firearms by law-abiding gun owners almost impossible. On Sept. 4, the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety held a hearing on Bill No. 36-0144, which is currently scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 9, 2025, before the Committee on Rules and Judiciary; Pennsylvania: A package of gun control bills was scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee for 11:00 a.m. on September 22, 2025. All four bills passed on party-line votes, 14-12.
Biden’s ATF malfeasance, Senator Grassley’s oversight, and Trump’s DOJ
Mark W. Smith’s latest video summarizes Sen. Chuck Grassley’s ongoing relationship with an ATF whistleblower, Afolabi Siwajuola. Mr. Siwajuola, a military veteran and special agent at the ATF, has faced retaliation within the agency during the Biden administration for raising internal concerns about misclassification of positions, improper hiring practices, and a lowering of qualification requirements during a hiring surge at the ATF. He alleges that employees were pressured to endorse underqualified applicants and that when he reported these issues, he became the target of threats, exclusion, and adverse personnel actions rather than being protected as the law requires.
Despite winning the 2023 Public Servant Award from the U.S. Office of Special Counsel for his disclosures—which Grassley notes saved taxpayers money—Siwajuola reportedly faced “sustained retaliation.” This included threats from fellow agents and various adverse personnel actions. Grassley describes these experiences as not only unfair but also illegal under federal whistleblower protection laws.
In his single-spaced, five-page letter, advocating for his reinstatement and a thorough investigation into all allegations of retaliation and misconduct. Grassley also urges the DOJ and ATF to follow the Office of Special Counsel’s recommendations and to recognize Siwajuola for his positive contributions. He urges the ATF to promote, rather than obstruct, a culture that encourages whistleblower disclosures, highlighting that congressional oversight relies on honest and unhindered reports of agency misconduct.
In conclusion, Grassley’s letter strongly urges the DOJ and ATF to follow legal standards that protect whistleblowers, correct specific wrongs against Siwajuola, and promote a culture of transparency and lawful behavior within their agencies.
Trump’s Judicial nominations are being “slow-walked.”
Jennifer Mascott’s confirmation has not yet been finalized.
Last week, we noted that the urgent need to confirm Professor Jennifer Mascott for the Third Circuit could influence the outcome of Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association v. Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security. Her appointment could change the court’s Republican majority from 8-6 to 9-6, lowering the chances of a deadlock. As of September 30, no vote has taken place in the U.S. Senate.
Government Shutdown
A partial government shutdown is set to begin at 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2025, if a meeting between Congressional leaders and President Trump fails to break the impasse.
State Legislature
The following states are still in SESSION:
California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
California: All four anti-Second Amendment bills are on their way to Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom must hear from his constituents to veto these bills: AB 1078, AB 112, AB 1263, and SB 704.
Michigan: As of late September 2025, Michigan’s legislature has seen several proposed gun-related bills introduced or advancing through committees.
• Earlier this year, two anti-Second Amendment bills passed the Senate. Both bills were introduced by Dayna Polchanki (D-Livonia). They were SB22, a bump stock ban, and SB225 & SB226 that codify prohibitions on firearms in buildings at the State Capitol. Both are awaiting House votes.
• In the House, three bills, HB 4481, 4482, and 4483, were introduced earlier in 2025 and had a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on September 24, 2025. They would require the Attorney General’s office to maintain a public website listing states that recognize Michigan’s CPL for reciprocity, with HB 4483 adding a QR code to CPL cards linking to the site. No vote was taken in September, and none is scheduled for the time being. Pro-gun groups have criticized them as unnecessary government expansion and distractions from priorities like repealing red flag laws.
• HB 4138, 4139, and 4140: Introduced earlier in 2025 by Rep. Jim DeSana (R), with over two dozen co-sponsors, these bills aim to repeal Michigan’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (red flag) law, enacted in 2023. Despite calls from gun rights advocates, no committee hearing has been scheduled. Organizations like Gun Owners of America support repeal, citing due process concerns, while gun safety groups like Everytown oppose it as a rollback of violence prevention measures.
Two new proposals were introduced in September 2025:
• HB 5079: Introduced on Sept. 26, by Rep. Mike Mueller (R) and co-sponsors. This bill amends the Michigan Penal Code to increase penalties for unlawfully taking a weapon from a peace officer or corrections officer while they are on duty. Key provisions include a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine for taking any weapon; up to 10 years and/or $5,000 for bringing a firearm; and up to 20 years if force or violence is used. It defines “peace officer” and “corrections officer” broadly and allows for consecutive sentencing—status: Referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
• HB 5080: The Criminal Procedure statute for enforcing HB 5089
• HB 4855: Introduced by Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River). This bill would allow bow hunters to openly carry a firearm for personal protection during archery season without needing a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). However, it prohibits using the gun to take game. It’s aimed at addressing safety concerns for hunters in remote areas.
North Carolina: The veto override vote of SB50 has been rescheduled for Oct. 20. The votes for the override are very shaky.
Pennsylvania: A package of gun control bills was scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee for 11:00 a.m. on September 22, 2025. All four bills passed on party-line votes, 14-12.
U.S. Virgin Islands: On Sept. 4th, the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety held a hearing on Bill No. 36-0144, a proposal to make significant changes to gun laws in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The bill is currently scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 9, before the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.
