Assault Weapons: California law strictly prohibits assault weapons. This includes possessing, distributing, selling and manufacturing assault weapons. According to the
Giffords Law Center, California’s assault weapons ban is one of the most comprehensive of the seven states and the District of Columbia that have bans on the books.
Red Flag Law: California became one of the first states in the nation to enact a red flag law in 2016. California law allows law enforcement, family members, employers, coworkers and school employees to file a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) against an individual suspected of being a danger to themselves and others. The GVRO prohibits a person from possessing firearms.
From 2019 to 2021, Governor Newsom signed a package of laws to further strengthen GVROs. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of GVROs increased from 85 to 1,284 – a 1,410% increase; of orders issued, law enforcement officers petitioned for more than 96% of the orders and family members requested the remaining four percent.
Waiting Period: California has a waiting period of 10 days for all gun purchases. The state is one of nine states and the District of Columbia that have waiting periods and California’s waiting period is among the strictest. The Washington Post
reportedthat the suspect in the recent Tulsa, Ok. hospital shooting purchased an AR-15-style rifle about an hour before the attack. According to
Giffords, “Studies suggest that waiting period laws are associated with reduced rates of firearm suicide. By one estimation, waiting period laws may reduce firearm suicide rates by 7–11%. Waiting period laws also appear to reduce gun homicide rates. One study found that waiting period laws that delay the purchase of firearms by a few days can reduce gun homicides by roughly 17%.”
Universal Background Checks: California requires background checks on all gun purchases and transfers, including private transfers and sales at gun shows. It is one of 14 states and the District of Columbia that require universal background checks.
Mental Health Reporting: California has some of the nation’s strongest laws preventing those with serious mental illness from acquiring firearms. California law requires the immediate reporting of involuntary inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as those under guardianship. Mental health treatment facilities and psychotherapists are also required to report under certain circumstances.
Age Restrictions: In California, you must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a handgun and at least 18 years of age to purchase a long gun.