California governor signs ten gun-safety bills, mandating four-hour training for owners

Governor Gavin Newsom signed ten gun-safety measures on Saturday, marking the latest phase of his administration's firearms reforms. Senate Bill 948, drafted by Berkeley Democrat Jesse Arreguín, obliges anyone moving to California in 2028 to take a four-hour safety class within 180 days, and extends the requirement to current residents who purchase guns beginning in 2029. Additional bills include Senate Bill 1220, which imposes a ten-year prohibition on gun ownership for individuals convicted of removing serial numbers, and Assembly Bill 1743, allowing municipalities and universities to request state Department of Justice data on weapons recovered in criminal investigations.

Advocates such as the Brady Campaign and Giffords hailed the package as a life-saving step, citing over 69,000 shootings between 2016 and 2021. The California Rifle and Pistol Association criticized the mandatory training and data-sharing provisions as unconstitutional and a financial burden on lawful owners. Some provisions may face legal challenges, including a pending appeal on a 2016 ammunition-background-check law. Newsom said the actions underscore California's continued leadership in preventing gun violence.