SB948 (2026): Amendments to Firearm Safety Certificate Requirements

What the Enacted Law Does

Senate Bill 948, Chapter 465, Statutes of 2026, amends California's Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) program, which is governed by Penal Code sections 31610-31700^[1]. Since January 1, 2015, California has required purchasers and recipients of firearms other than antique firearms to possess a valid FSC unless an exemption applies, with an unexpired HSC also permitted for handguns. The FSC is obtained by passing a written test administered by a DOJ-certified instructor at a licensed firearms dealer. The FSC replaced the former Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC), which applied to handgun purchases and receipts. The certificate costs $25 and is valid for five years.

The Senate Public Safety Committee recommended SB948 do pass as amended by a 5-1 vote on March 17, 2026^[2]. The Senate amended the bill on March 18, 2026. As enacted, SB948 extends the personal firearm importer compliance period from 60 to 180 days and requires an FSC within 180 days for an importer required to report the firearm, except as specified in the law. Beginning January 1, 2028, a personal firearm importer submitting the report must also certify under penalty of perjury that they obtained a valid FSC or qualify for an exemption, and provide the certificate number or identify the exemption.

Current Status

SB 948 passed the Senate 28-9 on May 27, 2026, after amendments in May. The Assembly Public Safety Committee passed it 7-1 as amended on June 30, and it was re-referred to Assembly Appropriations on July 2. The Assembly passed the amended bill 56-19 on August 24, and the Senate concurred 28-12 on August 25. Governor Newsom approved it on September 26, 2026, and it was chaptered as Chapter 465, Statutes of 2026. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with importer-report certification beginning January 1, 2028 and the FSC training requirement beginning January 1, 2029.

What to Watch

For FSC applications on or after January 1, 2029, SB948 requires a course completed within the prior year, lasting at least four hours and including live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range. The course requirement does not apply to individuals with valid CCW permits or those who completed an initial or renewal CCW course within the previous three years. Current exemptions include active and honorably retired peace officers and specified federal officers (PC 31700(a)(1)-(2)), qualifying active or honorably retired military members (PC 31700(a)(10)), and adults with valid, unexpired hunting licenses for firearms other than handguns (PC 31700(c)). SB948 adds FSC training and personal firearm importer requirements.