California Governor Signs 10 New Gun Laws, Including Major Changes to Firearm Safety Certificate Requirements

California has enacted 10 new firearm-related bills covering everything from firearm-owner data and prohibited persons to storage programs, protective orders, emerging technology and firearm training requirements. The new laws will take effect in stages, with provisions beginning in 2027 and additional requirements continuing through 2029.

The bills signed include AB 1743, AB 1753, AB 1943, AB 1974, AB 2047, AB 2339, AB 2378, AB 2636, SB 948 and SB 1220. Collectively, they address firearm-owner information, ammunition relinquishment under certain protective orders, voluntary firearm storage, 3D-printing technology, prohibited persons, violence-prevention programs and firearm acquisition requirements.

Among the most significant changes for California firearm owners is SB 948, which expands the requirements associated with obtaining a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC).

Beginning January 1, 2029, applicants will generally be required to complete a new training course within the previous year before obtaining an FSC. The course must be at least four hours long, include live-fire training and cover topics established by the California Department of Justice. Training must also be conducted by a DOJ-certified instructor, and applicants will be required to demonstrate safe firearm handling and basic proficiency at a shooting range.

There are exceptions for individuals who already possess a valid California CCW permit or who completed qualifying initial or renewal CCW training within the previous three years.

New California residents will also face additional requirements. SB 948 changes the deadline for reporting firearms brought into the state from 60 days to 180 days. Beginning January 1, 2028, new residents will also be required to certify to the California DOJ that they possess a valid FSC or qualify for an exemption. Those subject to the reporting requirement generally must obtain the required FSC within the 180-day period.

The package represents another substantial expansion of California's firearm regulations. Because the provisions are being phased in over several years, firearm owners, dealers and new residents will need to pay close attention to the different effective dates as the requirements begin taking effect between 2027 and 2029.