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 regulate firearm possession by minors. Penal Code section 29820 separately prohibits firearm possession until age 30 for juveniles adjudicated as wards for specified offenses. AB383 extends relinquishment procedures and related search warrant authority to these prohibited juveniles. It also amends section 29615 to allow a minor, with express parental or guardian permission, to possess a firearm other than a handgun or semiautomatic centerfire rifle during specified recreational, agricultural, ranching, or hunting activities or direct transit. The minor must be at least 16 or accompanied by a responsible adult.

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 extends the existing infraction for failure to timely file required relinquishment forms to these prohibited juveniles. 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 took effect January 1, 2026 and are 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 existing infraction penalty now applicable to them. The California Department of Justice summarized AB383's juvenile firearm relinquishment procedures and search warrant provisions in Information Bulletin 2026-DLE-02, dated January 30, 2026.