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California continues its trend of stringent gun control measures, with Democratic-majority leadership introducing most proposals. Pro-Second Amendment groups (e.g., NRA-ILA, Gun Owners of California) oppose many as infringements, while supporters cite public safety.
Key Second Amendment/Firearms-related Bills (active or notable in the 2026 portion)
– SB 948: Firearms: safety certificates
Sponsored by Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-Oakland).
Dramatically expands Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) requirements: mandates a minimum 8-hour training course (including live-fire) starting in 2028, with state-prescribed classroom instruction. Requires new California residents (lawful owners) to obtain an FSC within 60 days of moving in and submit documentation to the Department of Justice. Critics call it a de facto licensing scheme burdening constitutional rights.
Status: Introduced; hearings in Senate Public Safety Committee (e.g., scheduled/considered around March 17, 2026). Advancing in committee; under active consideration.
– AB 1753: Protective orders: firearms and ammunition
Sponsored by Assembly Member Stefani (likely with coauthors including Sen. Wiener).
“Clarifies” Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO/red flag) procedures by explicitly applying the same violation/hearing/enforcement rules to ammunition possession as to firearms. Expands civil restraining order impacts on Second Amendment rights without new criminal charges.
Status: Introduced February 2026; hearing in Assembly Public Safety Committee (e.g., March 17, 2026 at 8:30 AM). Moving forward.
– AB 1948 (related to concealed carry permits)
Extends validity periods for concealed carry weapon (CCW) permits or makes related adjustments.
Status: Hearing in Assembly Public Safety Committee (March 17, 2026). Under consideration.
– AB 1743: Firearms
Requires the Department of Justice to share detailed gun-trace, inspection, and related data with local governments and public universities for “policy research.” Critics view it as enabling future regulations, liability schemes, or crackdowns on lawful dealers by treating gun commerce as a public health issue.
Status: Introduced February 2026; may be heard in committee around March 8 or later.
– AB 2047: Firearms: 3-dimensional printing blocking technology
Prohibits sale/transfer of 3D printers not equipped with firearm-blocking tech starting March 1, 2029; adds related Penal Code provisions.
Status: Introduced February 17, 2026; early stages.
Other Mentions
– Bills like AB 1589 (Firearms: silencers – expanding exemptions for reserve peace officers) and AB 1615 (unsafe handguns exemptions for probation officers) had hearings in Assembly Public Safety (e.g., March 3, 2026) and appear neutral/law-enforcement focused.
– No major pro-Second Amendment repeal or expansion bills (e.g., easing restrictions) have advanced significantly; the session leans heavily regulatory.
– Note: Several 2025-passed bills (e.g., AB 1127 banning certain “converter pistols” effective July 1, 2026; AB 1078 adjusting purchase limits to 3 firearms per 30 days starting April 1, 2026; ghost gun expansions in AB 1263) are not new introductions but take effect or impact 2026 discussions.
The session remains fluid—more bills will probably emerge before deadlines.
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