California News

Newsom Signs 10 New Gun Laws. Here's What Actually Changed.

October 15, 2026 • 4 min read

SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom signed 10 gun-related bills into law in late September, adding new requirements for firearm purchasers, expanding data-sharing, and setting up future restrictions on 3D printers.

Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

Training Requirement (SB 948)

Starting January 1, 2029, most firearm purchasers will need to complete at least four hours of instruction, including live-fire training at a shooting range, before qualifying for a Firearm Safety Certificate. California already requires a written test and safe-handling demonstration. Some exemptions apply.

Voluntary Storage (AB 1974)

Establishes statewide guidelines for law enforcement agencies to offer temporary, voluntary firearm storage during personal crises such as mental health challenges or family emergencies. The measure was inspired by the death of nine-year-old Pierce Howard Hu.

Data Sharing (AB 1743)

Expands the state's gun-owner data-sharing system, allowing local governments, state agencies, public universities, and certain research institutions to request Department of Justice data on firearms that were stolen, recovered, illegally possessed, or used in crimes.

Restraining Orders and Ammunition (AB 1753)

Applies existing Gun Violence Restraining Order procedures to ammunition possession, not just firearms. Individuals subject to protective orders who demonstrated dangerous behavior must surrender both firearms and ammunition.

School Notices (AB 1943)

Requires schools to provide parents with a standardized "Secure Firearm Storage" notice at the start of each school year, covering child-access prevention laws and safe-storage requirements.

3D Printers (AB 2047)

Sets up a future requirement for 3D printers sold in California to include firearm-blocking technology. However, the safeguards don't exist yet. The law depends on ASTM International publishing technical standards first, and even then, years would pass before any sales restriction takes effect. Existing printers are unaffected.

Separate Development: Contra Costa County Settlement

In an unrelated case, Contra Costa County agreed to stop enforcing restrictions on red dot sights, weapon-mounted lights, and M1911-style pistols for concealed carry permit holders, settling a lawsuit from the Second Amendment Foundation.

Viewers Say

• On the training requirement: Supporters say more training means safer gun ownership. Critics argue it adds cost and logistical barriers, especially in rural areas with fewer ranges.
• On voluntary storage: Most viewers across the spectrum described this as a reasonable option for people in crisis, though some questioned whether enough agencies will participate.
• On data sharing: Privacy advocates raised concerns, pointing to California's 2022 leak of gun owner personal data. Supporters say researchers need the data to study gun violence.
• On the 3D printer law: Viewers on both sides noted the technology doesn't exist yet, with some calling it forward-thinking and others calling it unenforceable.
• On the bigger picture: The debate reflects California's ongoing position at the center of national gun policy litigation, with multiple laws facing court challenges.

Sources: Office of the Governor, USA Today, NSSF, Wall Street Journal. Bill text verified via California Legislative Information. Viewer reactions summarized from public social media comments.

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