AB458 (2026): Restricting Public Contracts with Firearms Companies

What the Bill Would Do

Assembly Bill 458 proposed model guidelines for state procurement of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories^[1]. The Department of General Services, in consultation with DOJ, would have developed the guidelines by July 1, 2027 to help state entities choose vendors complying with applicable local, state, and federal firearms laws.

This approach mirrors legislation in other states that has used public contracting power as a lever to influence firearms industry practices. It also intersects with an ongoing national debate: several states have enacted laws prohibiting their governments from contracting with firms that discriminate against the firearms industry (so-called "anti-ESG" laws), while AB458 proposed state procurement guidelines focused on compliance with firearms laws^[2].

Current Status

AB458 passed the Assembly in 2025 and was referred to Senate Governmental Organization and Public Safety on June 18, 2025. It cleared those committees 11-0 on June 23, 2026 and 5-0 on June 30, respectively, and was re-referred to Senate Appropriations on July 2. AB458 did not pass in the 2025-26 session. Its last recorded action was August 17, 2026, when it was ordered to the Senate inactive file at the request of Senator Ashby.

What to Watch

The latest bill text addressed model procurement guidelines for state offices and agencies. It did not propose a general restriction on state and local contracts with firearm companies. Its proposed July 1, 2027 deadline did not become law.