SB 248 (2025): Firearms Information for New Owners

What the Bill Would Do

SB 248, authored by Senator Susan Rubio (D) with Senators Catherine Blakespear (D) and Nick Schultz (D) as coauthors, would amend the Penal Code to require the California Department of Justice (not licensed dealers) to mail an informational letter to every new firearm purchaser and to every individual reporting a firearm transaction ^[1]. The DOJ would be required to send the letter within 10 days of receiving the application or transaction notification.

The mandated letter content includes:

- Secure-storage guidelines, including a summary of California's child access prevention laws
- An overview of state and federal firearm-ownership laws
- Information on the risks associated with firearm purchase and ownership in the home
- Legal methods for transferring or relinquishing firearms
- Resources related to gun violence restraining orders, suicide prevention, and domestic violence

The information would be sent in addition to the existing Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) curriculum that all most California purchasers must complete. The bill includes a delayed operative date of July 1, 2027, giving DOJ time to develop the letter content and mailing infrastructure.

Current Status

SB 248 passed the full Senate on June 4, 2025 by a 28-11 vote, then passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee (8-0) with amendments. It was held under submission in the Assembly Appropriations Committee following the August 29, 2025 hearing. As a 2025 first-year bill, it carried over into the 2026 second year of the session. As of May 2026, no Assembly Appropriations 2026 action is documented; the bill remains procedurally alive but stalled in fiscal committee.

Context

California already requires a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) for most firearm purchases, which involves passing a written test on safe handling and storage. SB 248 layers a post-purchase informational letter on top of the FSC, sent by DOJ rather than handed out by the dealer. The bill's passage through the full Senate and the Assembly Public Safety Committee indicates significant legislative support for expanded purchaser-information requirements, but the Assembly Appropriations hold has stalled it pending 2026 action.