Justice Department Declares Federal Law on Handgun Sales to Under-21s Unconstitutional
The U.S. Justice Department has declared a federal law prohibiting licensed gun dealers from selling handguns to individuals under 21 unconstitutional, stating it cannot be enforced.
Panama City, FL, September 18, 2026 —
The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a declaration that a federal law preventing licensed gun dealers from selling handguns to individuals under the age of 21 is unconstitutional. According to the department, this law is unenforceable.
The specific federal statute in question places restrictions on the sale of handguns by licensed dealers to persons younger than 21 years old. The Justice Department’s recent determination signifies a significant shift in the federal government’s stance on the enforcement of this particular regulation.
While the Justice Department has stated the law cannot be enforced, details regarding the exact reasons for this determination or any specific legal analyses underpinning it were not provided in the initial summary. The summary also did not specify if this declaration was the result of a particular legal challenge or internal review.
The implications of this declaration for current federal firearms regulations and the legal landscape surrounding handgun sales to young adults are not yet clear. Further information on the department’s reasoning and any potential next steps is anticipated.
The Justice Department’s position is that the current federal law, which restricts the sale of handguns by licensed dealers to individuals under 21, is unconstitutional. Consequently, the department has indicated that it cannot be enforced.
Story summarized from the original created by ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, Associated Press on www.mypanhandle.com, see more information here.
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