WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday submitted a proposed rule to the Office of the Federal Register aimed at reinstating firearms rights for individuals previously barred from possession due to certain criminal convictions.
The rule invokes the Attorney General’s authority under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), which allows for relief from federal firearms prohibitions if the applicant is not considered “likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.”
The move follows direction from President Donald J. Trump to address what the administration describes as widespread and undue restrictions on Second Amendment rights. The proposed rule would give non-violent offenders an opportunity to regain gun ownership rights while maintaining restrictions on those deemed high-risk.
“For too long, countless Americans with criminal histories have been permanently disenfranchised from exercising the right to keep and bear arms… irrespective of whether they actually pose a threat,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
Under the rule, individuals could apply for relief, and the Attorney General would assess each petition on a case-by-case basis. The rule specifies that violent felons, registered sex offenders, and undocumented immigrants will remain presumptively ineligible.
U.S. Pardon Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. confirmed that his office is building an online platform to support the application process. “My team and I are developing a 925(c) program landing page with a sophisticated, user-friendly platform for Americans petitioning for the return of their gun rights,” he said.
The Justice Department is encouraging comments from law enforcement agencies, elected officials, victims’ advocates, and members of the public who may be affected by the proposal. The agency recommends that individuals wait for final guidance before submitting applications under the new process.
The DOJ is taking public input as it considers a rule to restore gun rights to eligible non-violent offenders, under a directive from President Trump.