California gun owners will soon face new training requirements, expanded firearm surrender rules, and other changes under a package of 10 gun-safety bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed over the weekend.
The measures touch everything from firearm safety certificates and safe-storage practices to domestic violence protective orders and so-called ghost guns. While supporters call the package a continuation of California's long-standing gun-safety efforts, gun-rights groups argue some of the laws create new burdens for lawful firearm owners.
For Californians who already own guns or plan to buy one in the coming years, here are the biggest changes to know.
The biggest change for gun buyers won't take effect until 2029
The most significant change for many gun owners comes through Senate Bill 948, which expands California's
firearm safety certificate requirements.
Beginning in January 2029, Californians purchasing a new firearm will have to complete a four-hour firearm safety course and pass a live-fire shooting exam to obtain a firearm safety certificate.
Current and prospective gun owners should note that the requirement does not begin immediately, giving the state several years to develop training standards and implementation procedures.
Supporters say the measure creates more consistent statewide training standards. Critics, including the National Rifle Association, argue it adds additional requirements for law-abiding citizens without addressing criminal gun violence.
Moving to California with guns? A new deadline is coming
Another provision in SB 948 affects people relocating to California.
Starting in January 2028, people who move to California from another state and bring firearms with them will have 180 days to obtain a firearm safety certificate.
Under the law, failing to do so could result in a misdemeanor.
For people considering a move to California, that means firearm compliance requirements will begin shortly after establishing residency.
New voluntary firearm storage programs could become available
Assembly Bill 1974 authorizes local law enforcement agencies to establish voluntary firearm storage programs.
The programs would allow gun owners to temporarily surrender firearms during difficult periods, such as mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, family emergencies, or other situations where someone may want firearms stored away from home.
Participation would be voluntary, and availability would depend on whether local law enforcement agencies choose to create such programs.
For gun owners, the law could provide an additional option for temporary firearm storage during periods of personal hardship.
Restraining-order rules are being strengthened
Assembly Bill 1753 expands California laws involving domestic violence survivors and protective orders.
Among the changes, people subject to qualifying protective orders who have demonstrated dangerous behavior will be required to surrender both firearms and ammunition.
The law also seeks to improve coordination between courts and law enforcement and expands tools for enforcing surrender requirements.
For gun owners, the key takeaway is that ammunition surrender requirements will accompany firearm surrender requirements in cases covered by the law.
Parents may see new firearm-storage notices from schools
Assembly Bill 1943 requires schools to provide parents with a standardized Secure Firearm Storage notice at the start of the school year.
The notice will explain the dangers of unsecured firearms, California's child-access prevention laws, and safe-storage requirements.
While the law does not create a new obligation for gun owners, it is intended to increase awareness of existing storage laws and promote safe firearm practices around children.
California is targeting ghost guns and 3D-printing technology
Assembly Bill 2047 addresses concerns surrounding homemade or "ghost" guns.
The law requires 3D printers sold or transferred in California to include technology designed to detect and prevent the printing of illegal firearm components. The California Department of Justice will develop standards for those detection systems.
The measure reflects growing concern among lawmakers about emerging technologies that can manufacture firearms outside traditional channels.
Some firearm-related convictions could carry new consequences
Senate Bill 1220 expands the list of crimes that trigger a 10-year prohibition on possessing or acquiring firearms.
Specifically, individuals convicted of offenses involving firearms with altered, removed, or obliterated serial numbers may face a decade-long firearm prohibition following their conviction.
Violating that prohibition could result in fines and imprisonment.
What gun owners should do now?
Most Californians will not need to act immediately because several of the biggest changes do not take effect until 2028 and 2029.
However, gun owners may want to:
- Stay informed about implementation of the new firearm safety certificate requirements.
- Review California's existing firearm-storage requirements.
- Understand how protective-order laws could affect firearm and ammunition possession.
- Watch for local law enforcement agencies that may create voluntary firearm storage programs.
- If you're planning a move to California, learn the state's firearm certification requirements before you arrive.
The package signed by Newsom represents one of the state's broadest gun-policy updates in recent years. Whether viewed as a public-safety measure or an expansion of regulation, the new laws will affect current gun owners, future firearm purchasers, and new California residents in different ways over the coming years.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What the new California gun laws mean for gun owners
