California Gun Laws
California’s gun control laws are some of the strictest in the United States. These laws include a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases and restrictions on firearm ownership. The state also bans assault weapons, commonly used in mass shootings.
The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence has given California an “A” rating for its gun safety laws. However, state lawmakers face the challenge of balancing efforts to reduce gun violence with the rights of gun owners.
California Gun Control Regulations
Purchasing and Sales:
California Penal Code 26840 mandates that firearm buyers obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) to demonstrate basic safety knowledge. All firearm sales must be conducted through licensed dealers, as Penal Code 27545 and 26815 require. As outlined in Penal Code 28220 and under the Federal Firearms Act of 1938, background checks are required for all firearm purchases to ensure the buyer’s eligibility under federal and state laws. Gun show organizers must also comply with Penal Code 27300, which requires obtaining a Department of Justice (DOJ) certificate of eligibility and adhering to all relevant state laws.
Prohibited Individuals:
Firearm Possession Restrictions: Prohibited for felons, drug addicts, and individuals convicted of specific domestic violence crimes under California Penal Code 29800, 29805, and 29900.
Carrying Concealed Weapons:
Permit Requirements: Under California Penal Code 26150 and 26155, applicants must be 21 or older, provide proof of identity, and complete a firearm safety course.
Assault Weapons and Magazine Restrictions:
Bans: Covered under California Penal Code 30510-30515 for assault weapons and 32310 for large-capacity magazines.
Safe Storage and Transportation:
In California, strict safe storage laws under Penal Code 25100-25125 penalize the negligent storage of firearms that unauthorized individuals could access. Penal Code 25610 allows adults over 18 to transport unloaded concealable firearms if they are securely locked away, while Penal Code 16850 outlines specific transportation requirements for long guns to ensure safe and lawful travel with firearms.
Key Legislative Changes
Limits on Possession of Body Armor
AB 92: It prohibits individuals from possessing firearms and from purchasing, owning, or possessing body armor.
Firearm Relinquishment Post-Conviction
AB 732 amends Proposition 63 to require individuals convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors not in immediate custody to surrender their firearms within 48 hours. The law also allows the issuance of a search warrant if the court suspects non-compliance.
Restrictions on 3D-Printed and Milled Firearm Parts
AB 1089: The law restricts using 3D printers and CNC milling machines for firearm manufacturing to state-licensed manufacturers only. It also prohibits the sale of these devices for firearm manufacturing purposes to anyone other than a licensed manufacturer.
Limits on Concealed Weapons
SB 2: Revises the regulations for carrying concealed weapons, banning them from most public areas such as parks, schools, government buildings, hospitals, public demonstrations, gatherings, and locations where alcohol is sold.
Signage Requirements at Licensed Dealers
SB 417: Mandates licensed firearm dealers to display signage inside their premises that includes information on safe storage requirements, rules for lost and stolen firearms, and details about the national suicide prevention lifeline.
Criteria for Gun Violence Restraining Orders
AB 301: Allows judges to consider the purchase of body armor as a criterion for issuing a gun violence restraining order.
State Database of Prohibited Armed Persons
AB 303: Requires the state Attorney General to provide local law enforcement agencies with more detailed information from the Prohibited Armed Persons File (PAPF) or Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS).
Loan and Possession of Weapons by Officer Trainees
AB 355: Permits the loan and possession of certain weapons to enrollees in basic training who will become police officers, ensuring the weapons remain at training facilities and that the enrollees are employed in law enforcement.
Prohibitions on Firearm Possession for Those in Pretrial Diversion
AB 455: Allows prosecutors to request a prohibition on firearm possession for defendants granted pretrial diversion for mental health treatment.
Reporting of Lost or Stolen Frames and Receivers
AB 725: Starting in 2026, reporting lost or stolen firearm frames or receivers is required. Existing laws mandate reporting lost or stolen firearms, with non-compliance resulting in infractions or misdemeanor charges.
Extension of Firearm Sale Waiting Periods
AB 1406: Under specific circumstances, allows for the extension of the existing 10-day waiting period for the transfer or sale of a firearm.
Limits on Private Party Firearm Sales
AB 1483: Restricts the number of firearms transactions between private parties facilitated by a firearms dealer. Exemptions are provided for transactions where the seller is court-ordered to relinquish firearms or is transferring firearms due to the owner’s death.
- Related Articles:
- What is Los Angeles Doing About Ghost Guns?
- Gun Crime Statistics in Los Angeles
- California Lawmakers Vote to Tighten State Gun Laws
- Hire a Los Angeles Gun Crime Attorney
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