California will require more firearms training

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Californians would have to take a four-hour live-fire training course to buy a gun if a bill moving through the Legislature becomes law.

Senate Bill 948 represented by a Democratic senator Jesse Arreguin of Berkeley, would also require gun owners moving to California to obtain a firearms safety certificate and register their guns within 180 days of arrival. From 2028, you will need to complete the relevant training to obtain this certificate.

It’s the latest attempt by California Democrats to impose more restrictions on gun ownership in a state that already has some of the the strictest gun laws in the country . However, there is no certainty that the bill will become law. A similar measure failed in the legislature last year.

This year’s proposal was approved Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee on a party-line vote, with Republicans opposed. Committee members did not comment on the measure and did not receive public testimony, as is customary for such a committee.

But in March, when an earlier version of the bill would have required eight hours of training, Arreguin testified before the Senate Public Safety Committee that the proposed training requirements would reduce gun violence and prevent accidental shootings.

“Firearm safety is essential to prevent firearm-related incidents, especially those involving children,” stated . “By strengthening training requirements and closing loopholes in existing law, SB 948 will ensure responsible gun ownership to keep Californians and communities safe.”

Rebecca Marcus, a lobbyist for the Brady campaign, they told the committee that between 2016 and 2021, there were more than 69,000 shootings that resulted in death or required emergency medical attention in California. About one in three of those shootings was accidental, he said. Many of them included children.

Gun rights advocates said the bill would be challenged in court if it becomes law.

Adam Wilson of the California Gun Owners Association evaluate the proposed requirements as “an insurmountable barrier to the exercise of a constitutional right”.

Clay Kimberling, a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, said that’s especially true for the roughly 115,000 gun owners who move to California each year.

“Whether they’re moving stateside for a new job, a new military assignment, or family responsibilities like helping a sick or elderly relative, legal firearms owners will now have to find an instructor, pay for a course … and take eight hours out of their day … just to want to continue exercising their constitutional right to keep and bear arms in a new state.” Kimberling said..

This initial version of the bill would also require new California residents to register their firearms and complete the course within 60 days.

Will the bill end up in Newsom’s hands?

Under current law, Californians must pass a written exam and pay $25 to obtain a firearms safety certificate, valid for five years, to purchase a gun, but no formal training is required.

Licensed hunters must complete a mandatory hunting safety course and do not need a certificate to purchase rifles or shotguns. Also exempt are those who have obtained a permit to carry a concealed weapon, which is issued after 16 hours of mandatory training, which includes live shooting practice at a shooting range.

These exclusions will continue to apply.

For others, the proposed four hours of training will include courses on state and federal firearms laws, safe gun storage, safe handling, gun dangers, use-of-force laws, how to legally sell firearms and conflict resolution. The practical part of the live shooting course should last at least one hour.

Second Amendment advocacy groups say paying for a DOJ-certified firearms instructor would increase the cost of buying a gun by at least $400. Applicants will also have to pay for ammunition, gun rental and shooting range fees. In California, fees and taxes on firearms can now add more than $100 to the price of one.

The training requirements will go into effect on July 1, 2028.

Until then, starting Jan. 1, gun owners who move into the state will have to pass the current written test and register their firearms with the Department of Justice within 180 days.

Violating the proposed law would constitute a criminal offence.

The bill now goes to the full Senate. It must then be approved by the Assembly before this summer for Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign. He has yet to comment on the legislation.

Last year, a bill requiring eight hours of instruction failed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.