The U.S. Department of Justice has formally notified California that it intends to file a federal lawsuit challenging two of the state’s most controversial firearm regulations: the handgun roster and the law that will prohibit the sale of many popular semiautomatic pistols beginning July 1. The action signals a significant escalation in the federal government's involvement in California's ongoing Second Amendment battles.

In a letter sent by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, federal officials argue that California's handgun roster requirements and upcoming restrictions on many Glock-style pistols violate the Second Amendment by preventing law-abiding citizens from acquiring commonly used firearms for self-defense. The letter also cites prior federal court decisions that questioned the constitutionality of California's handgun roster system.

The DOJ has given California until June 30 to enter pre-suit negotiations. If the state declines, the federal government has indicated it will file United States v. State of California, seeking to halt enforcement of the challenged laws and permanently enjoin similar restrictions.