AB383 (2025): Strengthening Enforcement of the Prohibition on Minor Firearm Possession

What the Bill Does

Assembly Bill 383 strengthens the enforcement procedures for California's existing prohibition on firearm possession by certain minors^[1]. California Penal Code sections 29610-29655 already impose strict limits on the possession of firearms by minors, including a prohibition that extends to age 30 for juveniles adjudicated as wards of the court for certain offenses. AB383 targets enforcement gaps in this existing framework through three specific mechanisms.

First, the bill extends firearm relinquishment procedures to juveniles adjudicated as wards who are prohibited from possessing firearms until age 30, ensuring these individuals are subject to the same surrender requirements as adult prohibited persons. Second, it grants law enforcement search warrant authority when a prohibited juvenile ward fails to comply with relinquishment orders. Third, it establishes infraction penalties for failure to file required relinquishment forms. The bill was chaptered by the Secretary of State as Chapter 362 of the Statutes of 2025 on October 6, 2025^[2].

Current Status

Enacted. Chaptered by Secretary of State as Chapter 362, Statutes of 2025. The provisions are now codified in the California Penal Code.

What to Watch

The new enforcement mechanisms give law enforcement additional tools to ensure compliance with the existing prohibition on firearm possession by adjudicated juvenile wards. The search warrant authority for non-compliance is the most significant provision, as it provides a concrete enforcement mechanism where one was previously lacking. Individuals who were adjudicated as wards and are subject to the prohibition until age 30 should ensure they have completed all required relinquishment filings to avoid the new infraction penalties. The California Department of Justice has not yet issued updated guidance reflecting these procedural changes.