SB 248 (2025): Firearms Information for New Owners

What the Bill Proposed

SB 248, authored by Senator Susan Rubio (D) with Senator Catherine Blakespear (D) and Assembly Member Nick Schultz (D) as coauthors, would have amended the Penal Code to require the California Department of Justice (not licensed dealers) to mail an informational letter to each firearm purchaser and to anyone reporting a firearm transaction under Penal Code sections 27560, 27875, 27920, or 28000 ^[1]. The DOJ would have been required to send the letter within 10 days of each purchaser making an application or within 10 days of being notified of a transaction under those sections.

The proposed letter would have included the following information.

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

The proposed letter would have supplemented the existing Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) curriculum that most California purchasers must complete. The bill proposed a July 1, 2027 operative date for the mailing requirement, but that requirement was not enacted.

Current Status

SB 248 passed the full Senate on June 4, 2025 by a 28-11 vote. After author amendments on June 24, the Assembly Public Safety Committee voted 8-0 on July 1, 2025 to pass the bill and refer it to Assembly Appropriations. It was held under submission in the Assembly Appropriations Committee following the August 29, 2025 hearing. Having passed its house of origin in 2025, it carried over into 2026 and survived the January 31, 2026 house-of-origin deadline. SB 248 did not pass in the 2025-26 session. Its last recorded action remains the August 29, 2025 Assembly Appropriations hold. California Constitution article IV, section 10(c) bars passage of ordinary bills on or after September 1 of an even-numbered year.

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 would have added an informational letter mailed by DOJ rather than handed out by the dealer. The bill passed the Senate and the Assembly Public Safety Committee but remained held in Assembly Appropriations and did not pass in the 2025-26 session.