FirstAlerts

Justice Department Issues Final Rule on Firearms Disability Relief Criteria

A new federal rule establishes criteria for granting relief from firearm acquisition and possession prohibitions starting September 21, 2026.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 20, 2026, 3:22 a.m. ET
According to official document records published on August 20, 2026, the Department of Justice, the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau, and the Office of the Attorney General issued a final under reference . The situation remains developing ahead of the taking effect on September 21, 2026. Official records state that the implements criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws on the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that individuals granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

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  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 07:22current

    First published.

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