USPS Weighs Rule Change That Could Allow People to Mail Handguns

The US Postal Service is weighing a proposed rule change that could allow people to mail handguns for the first time in nearly a century, asourceser the US justice department urged the agency to scrap long-standing restrictions.

Under a 1927 law, the USPS is generally barred from mailing concealable firearms unless they are shipped by licensed dealers. In January, the justice department revisited that law, calling the ban unconstitutional and arguing that the Second Amendment prevents the government from refusing to ship constitutionally protected firearms to and from law-abiding citizens.

In April, the USPS proposed a new rule that would permit concealable firearms such as pistols and revolvers to be mailed, with requirements similar to those already in place for long-barreled rifles and shotguns. Those rules require firearms to be unloaded and securely packaged.

The proposal has prompted pushback from Democratic attorneys general in about two dozen states, who argue that the change would undermine state efforts to curb gun violence and could make it easier for people who cannot legally possess firearms—such as individuals convicted of felonies or domestic violence offenses—to obtain them.

The attorneys general also contend that the executive branch does not have the authority to override a law passed by Congress, and that the rule would effectively bypass state-level gun safety requirements, including background checks, firearms safety courses and mental health history checks.

The USPS said it is reviewing public comments that were due by Monday before making any final changes. Gun rights groups have applauded the proposal, while gun safety organizations warn it could complicate gun crime investigations and increase the burden on state and local law enforcement to track firearms shipped through the mail.