New California Bill on Gun Safety Training

California Democrats are advocating for a new bill mandating that individuals complete a state-approved training course, which includes “live fire” exercises, to obtain the necessary certification to purchase a firearm.

As it stands, California requires gun purchasers to hold a firearms safety certificate, obtainable by successfully passing a test. The proposed legislation, SB948, aims to enhance the requirements for acquiring such a certificate through an eight-hour, state-certified training course.

The text of the bill indicates:

Currently, those seeking firearms safety certificates must pass an exam created by the Department of Justice. This exam tests knowledge on relevant laws regarding firearm use and ownership responsibilities.

Under the new bill, anyone applying for a firearms safety certificate after July 1, 2028, would need to complete at least an eight-hour training course. This course would cover topics such as firearm safety, handling, and mandatory live-fire training at a shooting range. The bill also empowers the Department of Justice to establish regulations and provide further details for its implementation.

Reactions from California gun owners have surfaced on social media, with one user expressing skepticism about the bill, stating, “This bill would require a state-certified course and live-fire training just to purchase a firearm. It was proposed by the same genius senator who passed the barrel check, Jesse Arreguín.”