Justice Department launches process to restore federal firearm rights

Second Amendment firearm rights restoration Department of Justice felony convictions Todd Blanche

The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized a new regulation that establishes a pathway for certain individuals to apply for the restoration of their federal firearm rights. Launched by Attorney General Todd Blanche, the rule aims to provide a mechanism for people who were previously barred from firearm ownership due to criminal convictions to seek reinstatement of those rights.

Under the new process, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Officials will weigh an individual’s criminal record, reputation, and subsequent conduct to determine if they pose a risk to public safety. The DOJ intends to use an online portal to facilitate applications, effectively circumventing a practical barrier that has limited the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to process such requests since 1992.

While the program opens doors for some, certain groups remain subject to strong presumptions against relief. These include violent felons, registered sex offenders, and undocumented immigrants, unless extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated. The DOJ estimates that approximately 330,000 people may attempt to use the new rule within its first year. Additionally, a separate DOJ memo clarified that current law allows individuals with lawful carry permits to possess firearms in post offices, removing previous threats of criminal prosecution for self-defense in those locations.

Entities

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives · Department of Justice · Donald Trump · Gun Owners of America · Office of Legal Counsel · Todd Blanche · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] The DOJ estimates approximately 330,000 people will attempt to use the new rule when applications open next month. newrepublic.com · www.joemygod.com
[● 15 SOURCES] The Department of Justice finalized a rule to allow individuals barred from firearm ownership due to criminal convictions to apply for reinstatement of their rights. krmg.com · laopinion.com · www.kob.com · www.troyrecord.com · newrepublic.com · +10 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] A DOJ memo states that current law allows individuals with lawful carry permits to possess firearms in post offices. civildeadline.com
[● 15 SOURCES] The Second Amendment is not a second-class right and the government should not permanently deprive Americans of it without considering public safety risks. krmg.com · laopinion.com · www.kob.com · www.troyrecord.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · +10 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Violent criminals, registered sex offenders, and undocumented immigrants will be denied firearm restoration. krmg.com · newrepublic.com · www.kob.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com · +5 more
[● 11 SOURCES] Restoration of gun rights will be determined on a case-by-case basis by weighing an individual's record and reputation. krmg.com · www.kob.com · www.troyrecord.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · +6 more
[● 9 SOURCES] The new application process will utilize an online portal to circumvent a practical barrier established by Congress in 1992. krmg.com · www.kob.com · www.troyrecord.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · +4 more