On Monday, Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is reintroducing a process that allows individuals who have lost their gun rights due to criminal convictions to seek their restoration.
While federal law allows for the reinstatement of Second Amendment rights after felony convictions or other issues, Congress has been obstructing this process since 1992. The consistent blockage on federal funds aimed at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has hindered progress. Blanche described the new process as “common sense,” emphasizing its alignment with Second Amendment rights. (Related: Exclusive: Blue Counties Agree to Throw in the Towel and Stop Dragging Their Feet on Concealed Carry Permits)
“The Second Amendment should not be treated as a lesser right, and the government ought not to permanently revoke Americans’ constitutional rights, regardless of perceived risks to public safety,” Blanche asserted in the announcement. “This rule promotes a thorough, sensible procedure that not only protects the public but also offers deserving Americans a genuine opportunity for recovery.”
Final rules regarding the restoration of rights for non-violent felons are likely to be finalized.
This is a topic that is close and dear to my heart ever since I started my own private practice. @2AFDN.https://t.co/8W8EuXMMtR
— Adam Kraut (@theadamkraut) August 17, 2026
U.S. Pardons Attorney Ed Martin stated, “In recent months, under Attorney General Todd Blanche’s direction, we’ve been developing a program to facilitate recovery for the estimated 30 million Americans who have lost their Second Amendment rights. We’re committed to uphold and defend our esteemed Second Amendment.”
The responsibility for this process has been shifted to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, rather than being managed by the ATF, according to the release. The new regulations are expected to go into effect within 30 days. Organizations like Everytown and Giffords were not immediately available for comments regarding this procedure.
According to a Department of Justice press release, “The department has unveiled a final rule that re-establishes an official process for nonviolent felons to pursue the restoration of their Second Amendment rights.” The rule asserts that this amendment is not a secondary right, and Americans should not face permanent removal of constitutional rights based on potential public safety risks. This new regulation aims at safeguarding the public while also creating a legitimate way for Americans to regain their rights,” said William Sack, senior director of litigation at the Second Amendment Foundation. “Our foundation has been at the forefront of this issue, challenging the Constitution’s life bans on nonviolent felons.”
Sack added, “Today’s announcement is a promising advancement toward recognizing and protecting the civil rights of all Americans, ensuring that only those who pose a genuine threat to society are disarmed.” He mentioned that the review of the final regulations is still ongoing and that the organization will share further insights if more details emerge. (Related: Here’s why you should be notified when ATF seeks comment)
In February 2025, a presidential order signed by President Donald Trump mandated the DOJ to assess policies that violate Second Amendment rights and to actively safeguard the right to bear arms.
“President Trump, AG Blanchet, and this administration are addressing nearly 30 years of unfair treatment set forth by Senator Schumer’s funding amendment, which has prevented the ATF from restoring federal firearms rights,” remarked Eric Pratt, Executive Vice President of the American Gun Owners Association. He argued that citizens with nonviolent offenses who have otherwise regained their constitutional rights have faced unreasonable discrimination regarding their right to bear arms.
Pratt concluded, “Gun owners in America appreciate that President Trump and AG Blanchet are working to restore the Second Amendment, ensuring it remains on equal footing with other constitutional rights.”
