Justice Dept Proposes Guidelines for Gun Rights Restoration Applications
Published Date: 7/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Justice is setting clear rules for people who want to get permission to own or handle firearms again after being restricted by federal laws. This helps protect the right to bear arms while keeping everyone safe and making sure it’s in the public’s best interest. The new criteria will guide who can get relief and when, with no extra costs for applicants.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New Criteria To Restore Firearm Rights
If federal law stopped you from acquiring, receiving, transferring, shipping, transporting, or possessing firearms, the Department of Justice is proposing clear criteria to guide decisions about who can get permission (relief) to own or handle firearms again. The rule sets out how determinations will be made about granting that relief.
Safety and Public-Interest Checks Required
The criteria are designed to make sure that anyone granted relief is not likely to act in a way that is dangerous to public safety and that granting relief would not be contrary to the public interest. The rule balances protection of the right to keep and bear arms with public safety and public‑interest considerations.
No Added Applicant Fees
The proposal states the new criteria will be applied with no extra costs for applicants. If you apply for relief from firearms-related disabilities under this proposal, you would not face additional fees associated with the criteria.
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Key Dates
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