The reference for California firearms law.
Every statute cited and every change documented with its source.
California imposes firearm prohibitions under Penal Code Sections 29800-29905 and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 8103 that differ from the federal categories under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g). Key areas of divergence include qualifying mental health admissions following Section 5150 holds, misdemeanor convictions, restraining order scope, and juvenile offenses. A person cleared under federal law may still be prohibited under California law.
SB 2 (2023) designated 26 specific categories of sensitive places where licensed carry is prohibited, subject to statutory exceptions. PC 26230 also incorporates places prohibited by other state, federal, or local law. Twenty of the first 26 listed categories are enforceable after the Ninth Circuit's May v. Bonta ruling (mandate January 23, 2025). Six categories remain enjoined, including the private-property default. On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court held in Wolford v. Lopez that Hawaii's private-property default rule violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.
California's Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) law (Penal Code Division 3.2, beginning with Section 18100) allows law enforcement, eligible family members and employers, as well as qualifying roommates, coworkers, school personnel, dating partners and people who share a child with the subject to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous.
California's assault weapon characteristics test under Penal Code Section 30515(a)(1) applies only to "semiautomatic, centerfire" rifles. Rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22 with pistol grips and detachable magazines are not assault weapons under the features test, though the named-model ban and large-capacity magazine restrictions still apply.
A fixed magazine avoids the features test for semiautomatic centerfire rifles, but a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds or an overall length under 30 inches still meets the assault-weapon definition. Other assault-weapon definitions may also apply. A fixed magazine is one that cannot be removed "without disassembly of the firearm action." Title 11, California Code of Regulations, Section 5471(n) defines disassembly for specified assault-weapon provisions. That definition does not by itself establish approval of the AR MagLock + Kingpin or another particular compliance device.
The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (18 U.S.C. Section 926A) protects interstate firearm transportation for a lawful purpose by a person not prohibited by the federal firearms chapter, between places where the person may lawfully possess and carry the firearm, subject to unloading and storage conditions.
AB 1127 restricts dealer sales of machinegun-convertible pistols, including most Glock-pattern designs, as of July 1, 2026, subject to statutory exemptions. Existing owners keep their pistols and private party transfers through a dealer remain lawful. The federal government is challenging the law in United States v. California, but no court has blocked it and the ban is in force.
Federal court permanently enjoined California's AB 2571, which banned firearm marketing to minors. The court declared the law unconstitutional under the First Amendment, and California was ordered to pay $1,381,749.72 in attorney fees and costs across the two cases.
Senate Bill 1203 was enacted as Chapter 1016, Statutes of 2026. Beginning January 1, 2029, it adds demographic and training information to existing private security firearm-discharge and physical-altercation reports.
Assembly Bill 1753 is Chapter 458, Statutes of 2026, approved September 26, 2026. It amends protective order procedures involving firearms and ammunition. The act takes effect January 1, 2027, with specified procedures beginning January 1, 2028.
Assembly Bill 1943 is Chapter 459, Statutes of 2026, approved September 26, 2026 and effective January 1, 2027. It revises school notices to parents and guardians about secure firearm storage and sets July 1, 2027 deadlines for state model language and related resources.
Assembly Bill 2584, the "Preemptive Self Defense Act of 2026," did not pass in the 2025-26 session. Its March 26, 2026 text proposed civil immunity for a person who lawfully resists a public offense, with exceptions for a primary aggressor who subsequently suffers injury and for force not proportional to the reasonably perceived threat.
Assembly Bill 1974, Chapter 460, Statutes of 2026, authorizes local law enforcement agencies to create voluntary firearm storage programs. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
Assembly Bill 2047, Chapter 461, Statutes of 2026, establishes a conditional requirement for firearm blocking technology in 3D printers. The law takes effect January 1, 2027. Sales restrictions depend on ASTM standards, a DOJ feasibility determination, and a later guidance or regulation process.
Current California firearms statutes and regulations
Firearms licensing requirements
Step-by-step guides for firearms compliance
Searchable database of approved firearms
Frequently asked questions about CA gun law
Legislative updates and legal developments