Attorney General Todd Blanche issues rule allowing non-violent felons to seek federal gun rights

On Monday, Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a regulation that establishes a formal avenue for non-violent felons to pursue the restoration of their federal firearm rights. The rule mandates individualized review of applications, emphasizing that public safety considerations will dominate the decision-making process. It expressly maintains the presumptive ineligibility of violent felons, registered sex offenders, illegal aliens and other persons who present an ongoing danger.

To qualify, applicants must convince the Attorney General that their prior conduct, reputation and subsequent behavior show they are unlikely to endanger the public and that granting relief serves the public interest. The Justice Department provides eligibility details and application instructions through its Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program website. While the federal pathway opens, it does not override any state laws that may still restrict gun ownership for these individuals.