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US Department of Justice firearm regulation changes

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-17 22:21 UTC → 2026-08-18 18:24 UTC · added removed

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued finalized a new guidance significantly altering firearm restrictions. An advisory opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) determined that law-abiding citizens may carry firearms regulation establishing a pathway for self-defense in public post offices. The OLC interpreted 18 U.S. Code § 930 certain individuals to mean that self-defense constitutes a “lawful purpose,” effectively challenging apply for the Postal Service’s long-standing blanket ban on firearms in such facilities. Building on this, restoration of federal firearm rights. Launched by Attorney General Todd Blanche introduced a new Blanche, the rule intended to restore firearm rights to certain individuals who were provides a mechanism for people previously prohibited from possession, including some with past barred due to criminal convictions or domestic violence restraining orders. This framework allows the DOJ to review petitions from individuals who have ceased illicit conduct, as Blanche stated the Second Amendment should not seek reinstatement. Applications will be a “second-class right” unless an individual poses reviewed on a specific public safety threat. This process has now been finalized case-by-case basis, with the launch of officials weighing an individual’s criminal record, reputation, and subsequent conduct to determine if they pose a new online portal, allowing individuals previously barred due risk to criminal convictions public safety. The DOJ intends to apply for the reinstatement of their rights. This measure is intended use an online portal to circumvent facilitate these applications, effectively circumventing a practical barrier established by Congress in 1992 that had prevented has limited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from processing such applications. requests since 1992. The DOJ will review requests on a case-by-case basis by evaluating an individual’s record and reputation. However, the department clarified estimates that approximately 330,000 people may attempt to use the new rule within its first year. While the program opens doors for some, certain groups remain subject to strong presumptions against relief, including violent criminals, felons, registered sex offenders, and undocumented immigrants remain prohibited from firearm ownership. immigrants, unless extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-18 18:24 UTC US Department of Justice firearm regulation changes
  2. 2026-08-17 22:21 UTC US Department of Justice firearm regulation changes
  3. 2026-08-17 18:22 UTC US Department of Justice firearm regulation changes

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