DOJ Won't Prosecute Handgun Sales to 18-Year-Olds as ATF Prepares New Guidance

Three federal gun policy shifts land in a single week — none from Congress — covering handgun sales to 18-20 year olds, NFA suppressor rules, and firearms rights restoration. - Handgun sales to 18-20 year olds: DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel told prosecutors they may not criminally enforce the federal ban on licensed dealers selling handguns to law-abiding 18-20 year olds. The underlying statute and ATF's Form 4473 haven't been updated yet, leaving dealers awaiting formal guidance before acting on the memo. - NFA suppressor/short-barreled firearm rules: DOJ confirmed it will not appeal an August 5 Texas ruling that struck down NFA registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled rifles/shotguns after the associated tax was zeroed out. ATF guidance on implementing the ruling is expected soon; the appeal deadline is October 5. - Firearms rights restoration: DOJ opened applications today for individuals seeking restoration of firearms rights, with a $30 fee. The final rule excludes marijuana use from automatic disqualification, citing a recent Supreme Court decision, but retains other controlled substances, domestic violence, and violent crime as disqualifying factors. DOJ declined a request from 16 state attorneys general to categorically disqualify registered sex offenders. - Fifth Circuit ruling: Appeals court says gun dealers can sell handguns to non-residents, rejecting the Second Circuit's contrary approach. The case could head to the Supreme Court, which has a conference September 28 covering several gun-related petitions, including California's and Washington's magazine bans. #GunRights #ATF #NFA #SecondAmendment #CenterSquare #TheStates