Judge Stays “Engaged In The Business” Case Until Robert Cekada Is Confirmed

Summary

A federal judge in the Northern District of Alabama, Corey L. Maze, has stayed the NRA-backed lawsuit, Butler v. Bondi, challenging the ATF's 2024 "engaged in the business" Final Rule. The stay will remain in effect until the Senate votes on Robert Cekada's nomination for ATF Director, with speculation that new leadership could lead to policy changes regarding the rule. Judge Maze previously ruled in September 2025 that the ATF exceeded its authority, permanently enjoining parts of the rule against the plaintiffs and NRA members nationwide.