At the age of 17, I made a mistake that led to a felony charge. Now, at the age of 41, I am still living with the consequences of that decision, despite having lived a law-abiding life for over two decades. I have not been in trouble since—and I am sure there are countless others like me, who have worked hard to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

My 15-year-old son has recently expressed his desire to start hunting—a traditional activity that fathers and sons have shared for generations. However, due to my status as a non-violent felon, I am unable to legally accompany him without risking severe legal consequences for being in possession of a firearm. It feels unjust to be continuously punished for a mistake made so many years ago, especially when it hinders me from sharing important life experiences with my child.

In the United States, there are thousands of individuals who have committed non-violent felonies, completed their sentences, and demonstrated a sustained commitment to living lawfully. Denying these individuals the right to possess firearms—a right that is fundamental to our American heritage—seems excessively punitive, particularly when these individuals have proven their rehabilitation. Restoring gun rights to non-violent felons who have remained crime-free for more than ten years would not only aid in their integration back into society but also allow them to participate in lawful activities, like hunting, with their families.

The current process to restore gun rights can be long, cumbersome, and expensive. It often requires hiring legal representation and navigating a complex legal system, which can be prohibitively costly and time-consuming. Automatically restoring gun rights to non-violent felons after ten years of lawful behavior would save resources while respecting the rights and dignity of those affected.

I urge lawmakers to consider the impact of this ongoing punishment on families and communities and to take action by amending current legislation. By supporting this petition, you're advocating for fairness and acknowledging that individuals cannot be indefinitely punished for mistakes of their past, especially when they have shown consistent rehabilitation.

Please sign this petition to help restore the rights of non-violent felons, allowing them fair opportunities to reclaim their lives and participate fully in their communities.