Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice has announced a major step toward restoring Second Amendment rights for Americans previously barred from owning firearms. Under a proposed rule published this week, the DOJ plans to create a system for individuals to apply for relief from federal firearm prohibitions, potentially granting many law-abiding citizens a second chance to exercise their constitutional rights.

“For too long, countless Americans with criminal histories have been permanently disenfranchised from exercising the right to keep and bear arms—a right every bit as constitutionally enshrined as the right to vote, the right to free speech, and the right to free exercise of religion—irrespective of whether they actually pose a threat,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No longer.”

The proposed rule, titled “Application for Relief from Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws”, lays out detailed criteria to guide case-by-case decisions. Federal law currently allows the Attorney General to restore rights under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), but since 1992 Congress had blocked the ATF from processing such applications.

Now, the DOJ plans to take the authority back from ATF to avoid that congressional roadblock.

The Trump DOJ explained in its proposal:

“This rulemaking reflects the Department’s commitment to the Second Amendment as an indispensable safeguard of security and liberty… [it] seeks to ensure the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, while making sure that those granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.” (Federal Register Submission, July 2025).

Under the proposed rule, applicants would still face strict review. Violent felons, registered sex offenders, and illegal aliens would remain “presumptively ineligible” for relief. However, those with non-violent convictions or older offenses would finally have a chance to prove they no longer pose a danger.

“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, which will make the process easier for them,” said U.S. Pardon Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr.

The DOJ also invited public comment on the proposed rule:

“Interested persons are invited to participate… particularly regarding the felony offenses that should be presumptively disqualifying, the appropriate length of time after which former offenses should no longer be disqualifying, and other key criteria.” (DOJ Proposed Rule, Docket No. OAG191).

Gun rights advocates see this as a long-overdue step in reversing decades of blanket prohibitions. Courts have already raised questions about whether current federal bans on non-violent felons are consistent with the Supreme Court’s landmark rulings in Heller (2008) and Bruen (2022).

The DOJ estimates nearly 1 million people could apply in the first year. The application process would involve background checks, affidavits from personal references, and a $20 fee, though indigent applicants could request a waiver.

This initiative reflects President Donald Trump’s pledge to protect and expand gun rights. As Bondi noted:

“General Bondi’s support of the rebooted 925(c) program is consistent with President Donald J. Trump’s promise to the American people to support the beautiful Second Amendment.”

Throw In Your Support

The proposed rule, Docket OAG-191, has been submitted to the Federal Register. It will be published on July 22nd, 2025, and open for public comment for 90 days.

Here are three sample comments that readers can use (or adapt) to submit in positive support of the DOJ’s proposed rule to restore firearms rights:

Sample Comment #1 (Focused on Second Amendment Rights)

“I strongly support the DOJ’s proposed rule to implement 18 U.S.C. 925(c) and restore firearms rights to individuals who have demonstrated they are no threat to public safety. For decades, millions of Americans have been denied their constitutional right to keep and bear arms due to old, non-violent offenses—even when they’ve turned their lives around. This rule respects the Second Amendment and finally provides a pathway for responsible citizens to regain their rights. Please move forward and implement this rule without delay.”

Sample Comment #2 (Focused on Fairness and Public Safety Balance)

“This proposed rule is a long-overdue step toward justice and fairness. It creates a clear and structured process for restoring rights while ensuring that violent offenders and dangerous individuals remain prohibited. Law-abiding citizens who made mistakes in the distant past but have proven they are no danger should not be permanently stripped of their rights. I fully support this rule and encourage the DOJ to adopt it as written.”

Sample Comment #3 (Focused on Constitutional and Historical Perspective)

“I commend the DOJ for recognizing that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental liberty guaranteed under the Constitution. Permanent bans on firearms for all felons, without considering individual circumstances, violate the spirit of the Second Amendment. This rule properly balances public safety with freedom and restores hope to countless Americans seeking redemption. Please finalize and implement this rule.”

Application for Relief From 2nd Amendment Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws 

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