Firearms: silencers.

Senator Alvarado-Gil's firearms legislation replaces the term "silencer" with "suppressor" throughout California's weapons regulations while maintaining existing restrictions on these devices. The bill updates terminology in multiple code sections governing assault weapon definitions, probation eligibility, and law enforcement procedures.

The legislation preserves current prohibitions on civilian possession of suppressors, which remains a felony punishable by imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Law enforcement agencies, military forces, and federally licensed manufacturers maintain their existing exemptions when using suppressors for official duties or authorized transfers.

The bill requires law enforcement agencies to develop and publicly post policies for destroying surrendered weapons, including procedures for documenting destruction and managing third-party contracts. Agencies must ensure contracts explicitly prohibit the sale of destroyed firearms or components, though recycling of resulting materials remains permitted.

Additional provisions refine assault weapon classifications and competitive shooting exemptions. The Department of Justice retains authority to exempt new competition pistol models from assault weapon restrictions based on recommendations from USA Shooting or similar organizations. The legislation also updates probation eligibility criteria and reporting requirements for firearm-related offenses.

The changes aim to standardize legal terminology while preserving California's regulatory framework for firearm attachments, weapon destruction protocols, and assault weapon definitions. The bill maintains existing enforcement mechanisms and penalties while enhancing documentation requirements for law enforcement agencies handling surrendered weapons.