Common Sense Gun Safety Bill Heads to Governor's Desk

Sacramento, CA – Yesterday, the State Legislature advanced SB 948, introduced by Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Oakland). The bill holds people who own firearms and move to California to the same standards as current California firearm owners in obtaining a firearm safety certificate. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2029, firearm safety certificate applicants will also need to complete a training course including live-fire shooting exercises. 

“California’s historically low rates of violent crime, in addition to having one of the lowest firearm death rates in the nation, demonstrates that our commonsense gun regulations are working,” said Senator Arreguín, Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. “SB 948 ensures that existing laws are applied to firearms that are brought into California from other states, creating consistent safety standards that promote responsible gun ownership.” 

Under current state law, anyone who purchases or receives a firearm must have a firearm safety certificate. Applicants of this certificate must pass a test developed by the Department of Justice that covers gun safety laws and handling of firearms. While state law prevents a firearm from being sold or transferred to someone without a firearm safety certificate, a loophole currently exists that does not require firearm owners who move to California to secure a certificate. SB 948 will close that loophole, requiring an owner to obtain a certificate within 60 days of bringing a firearm into the state, with antique firearms exempt.   

This bill builds upon the work Senator Arreguín has done to advance common-sense gun control regulations. Last year, he introduced SB 704, which aims to curb the proliferation of ghost guns. While many components of ghost guns can be constructed through 3D printing, the firearm barrel, a key component, cannot be practically constructed through this method. As a result, people are resorting to the purchasing of such components to complete the manufacturing of a ghost gun. 

While other states in recent years have seen an increase in gun violence, California has seen a decline. In 2023, California had 8.0 firearm deaths per 100,000 residents, compared to a national average of 13.7.

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