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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 18, 2026Hillsborough

Department of Justice establishes process to restore gun rights for certain individuals with felony convictions

The Department of Justice has finalized a rule allowing individuals previously banned from owning firearms due to felony convictions to apply for the restoration of their gun rights. This process will be handled on a case-by-case basis, evaluating an individual's criminal record and reputation to determine if they pose a public safety threat.

gun rightscriminal justiceDepartment of JusticeSecond Amendment
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Why It Matters

This change creates a pathway for individuals with felony convictions to legally regain the right to own firearms, a process that has been effectively blocked by Congress since 1992.

Key Facts

  • The DOJ finalized a rule allowing individuals with felony convictions to apply for the restoration of gun rights.
  • Restoration will be determined on a case-by-case basis by evaluating an individual's record and reputation.
  • Congress has prohibited the ATF from processing these applications since 1992.
  • Individuals convicted of violent crimes, registered sex offenders, and those in the U.S. illegally will generally be denied.
  • Exceptions for denied groups may be made only in 'extraordinary circumstances'.
  • The DOJ is also distributing $231 million to states for gun violence prevention programs.
  • Attorney General Todd Blanche initiated the restoration plan.

Who's Mentioned

personTodd Blanche“Attorney General who initiated the restoration plan.”organizationBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives“The agency previously prohibited from processing restoration applications.”organizationDepartment of Justice“The federal agency implementing the new rule.”