AB1743 (2026): Requiring DOJ to Share Firearm Trace Data with Researchers

What the Bill Would Do

Assembly Bill 1743, authored by Assembly Member Buffy Wicks, amends Penal Code section 11108.3 while retaining the existing requirement for covered law-enforcement agencies to report all available identifying and tracing information about recovered firearms that were illegally possessed, used in a crime, or suspected of use in a crime to the California Department of Justice within seven calendar days of obtaining the information ^[1]. The enacted amendment clarifies that information relied on for DOJ analysis must be available upon request to California government agencies, CSU, UC, and qualifying nonprofit private postsecondary institutions under Attorney General conditions and format options. The educational institutions receive access for academic and policy research.

Law-enforcement agencies report recovered-firearm information to DOJ, which promptly forwards it to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Tracing Center to the extent practicable so ATF can trace the firearm's ownership. The Tiahrt restrictions originated in a federal appropriations rider in 2003 and limit public disclosure of ATF trace data. The fiscal year 2008 rider permitted disclosure to law-enforcement agencies in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution and publication of statistical aggregate data about firearms trafficking and misuse. AB 1743 clarifies access to information relied on for DOJ analysis by the educational institutions specified in the statute, under Attorney General conditions and format options.

AB 1743 does not create new data-collection obligations on private parties or firearm owners. It retains the existing seven-day reporting deadline and clarifies access to information relied on for DOJ analysis ^[2].

Current Status

AB 1743 passed the Assembly 59-18 on May 26, 2026. The Senate Public Safety Committee approved it 5-1 on June 16. After further Senate amendments, the Senate passed it 28-10 on August 20 and the Assembly concurred 60-18 on August 24. The Governor approved it on September 26, 2026, and it was enacted as Chapter 457, Statutes of 2026. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

What to Watch

The enacted text makes information relied on for DOJ analysis available upon request to the government agencies and educational institutions it specifies, under conditions and format options set by the Attorney General. The seven-day reporting deadline remains measured from when the agency obtains the information.