A new DOJ legal position changes the executive branch’s approach to the longstanding federal dealer-age restriction for handgun sales to adults under 21.
What DOJ announced
DOJ said OLC concluded §§ 922(b)(1) and (c)(1) are unconstitutional as applied to otherwise law-abiding adults ages 18 to 20 seeking handguns from federally licensed dealers.
The opinion is about age, not felony status
A qualifying felony or other § 922(g) prohibition remains a separate issue. See the prohibited-person guide.
State law can still matter
The opinion concerns federal statutes and federal criminal enforcement. States can have their own age, licensing, permit or purchase rules, subject to constitutional review.
This is an executive-branch legal position
OLC opinions guide the executive branch, while courts continue to decide constitutional issues in cases before them. Future litigation or legislation can alter the practical landscape.