This page tracks major federal developments affecting prohibited-person firearm law, sentencing and firearm-rights restoration.
August 17, 2026 — DOJ finalizes § 925(c) restoration process
DOJ announced a final rule establishing a functioning Federal Firearm Rights Restoration program. DOJ describes a staged rollout beginning with invited applicants on September 25, 2026, followed by a first public application window on November 4, 2026.
2026 — Sentencing guideline amendments adopted for November 1 effective date
The U.S. Sentencing Commission submitted amendments to Congress on April 30, 2026 and specified November 1, 2026 as the effective date absent congressional action. Researchers should distinguish adopted future amendments from the guideline manual currently in effect.
November 1, 2025 — Amendment 834 becomes effective
Amendment 834 revised §2K2.1 to address machinegun conversion devices with tiered specific offense characteristics and related conforming changes.
June 21, 2024 — United States v. Rahimi
The Supreme Court upheld application of § 922(g)(8) to the respondent and clarified that Bruen requires a historical analogue rather than a historical twin. Litigation over other § 922(g) categories continues.