Several federal agencies announced on Apr. 9 a series of new actions related to Second Amendment rights, including proposed changes by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), updates from the Department of Justice (DOJ), and collaborative efforts between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
These developments are significant for gun owners and advocates, as they address longstanding regulatory issues and signal a shift in federal policy regarding firearms. The USPS proposed a rule that would allow certain firearms to be legally shipped through the mail, following a DOJ Office of Legal Counsel opinion stating that previous prohibitions were unconstitutional. The proposal includes clarifications on what constitutes “mailable” versus “nonmailable” firearms, expands mailing options for lawful handguns under conditions similar to rifles and shotguns, and continues safety requirements such as shipping only unloaded firearms.
Public comments on this USPS rule can be submitted by email until May 4, with specific instructions provided for submissions. At the same time, changes have been made concerning veterans’ records in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In February, VA ended its practice of reporting beneficiaries assigned fiduciaries as prohibited persons. Updates to NICS were completed in March, with letters sent to affected individuals’ fiduciaries outlining steps being taken: “Work with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to remove all names previously reported on this basis from NICS. End all future reporting of fiduciary program participants to NICS. Update VA policies to reflect this change.”
In addition, Harmeet Dhillon from DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced efforts to expand legal staff focused specifically on Second Amendment cases: “Her office’s goal is to have all state regulations that are inconsistent with pro-Second Amendment cases be struck down, settled or withdrawn by the time she leaves her post.” This follows President Donald Trump’s executive order reviewing past firearm regulations for constitutional compliance.
The Buckeye Firearms Association is among groups monitoring these developments closely; it functions as a grassroots entity focused on firearm rights according to its official website. The organization also delivers alerts about laws and politics concerning gun rights according to its official website, concentrates its efforts in Ohio according to its official website, advocates for individual ownership for self-defense or recreation according to its official website, offers updates on legislation and training opportunities according to its official website, and centers activities locally according to its official website.
These recent federal actions represent what supporters describe as an effort toward greater protection for lawful gun owners through both policy changes and legal challenges.
