AB1974 (2026): Establishing a Voluntary Firearm Storage Program

What the Bill Would Do

Assembly Bill 1974 would establish a voluntary firearm storage program in California^[1]. The program would provide gun owners with a mechanism to temporarily store their firearms outside the home — for example, during a mental health crisis, period of domestic instability, or other situation where the owner believes temporary separation from their firearms is prudent.

California already has several mechanisms for involuntary firearm removal, including Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) under PC 18100-18205 and the 5150 psychiatric hold process which triggers a 5-year firearm prohibition under Welfare and Institutions Code 8103. AB1974 fills a gap by providing a proactive, voluntary alternative — allowing individuals to take preventive action without court involvement or a mental health hold^[2].

Current Status

AB1974 was referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety on March 2, 2026. The bill is in early committee stage.

What to Watch

Voluntary storage programs have received bipartisan support in other states because they emphasize individual agency rather than government mandate. The critical implementation details include: who administers the storage (law enforcement, FFLs, or a new state program), how long firearms can be stored, what the retrieval process looks like, and whether participation creates any record that could be used against the owner in future proceedings. The last point is essential — if gun owners fear that using the program could trigger a GVRO investigation or flag them in the APPS system, participation will be minimal regardless of the program's design.