A proposed Trump administration rule would allow handguns to be mailed through the United States Postal Service for the first time in nearly a century, reversing a 1927 law that restricted shipping concealable firearms.

The Department of Justice argues the old ban is unconstitutional and that Americans should be able to mail firearms for lawful purposes like recreation and self-defense.

United States Postal Service has proposed new regulations with safety conditions, while reviewing public comments before making a final decision.

Democratic attorneys general from about two dozen states oppose the change, warning it could make it easier for criminals to obtain guns and weaken state gun laws and enforcement, the AP has reported.

Gun rights groups support the proposal as a win for lawful gun owners, while gun safety advocates argue it could increase trafficking and hinder crime prevention efforts.