Firearms: ghost guns.

Assembly Member Gipson's legislation expands California's regulation of firearm manufacturing and digital firearm code distribution through new civil and criminal provisions. The bill prohibits knowingly causing or facilitating the unlawful manufacture of firearms, including through three-dimensional printing or computer numerical control milling machines.

The measure requires firearm industry members to provide clear notice to purchasers before selling unattached firearm barrels, accessories, or manufacturing machines in California. Sellers must verify the buyer is at least 18 years old and obtain written acknowledgment that manufacturing firearms without proper licensing is illegal. The bill exempts licensed firearms dealers, law enforcement agencies, and other specified entities from these requirements.

Under the legislation, individuals who distribute digital firearm manufacturing code face civil liability if their websites encourage the use of such code for firearm production. The Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorney may seek civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation. The bill also allows persons harmed by violations to pursue compensatory damages and injunctive relief.

The measure adds firearm manufacturing violations to the list of misdemeanor convictions that trigger a 10-year prohibition on firearm possession. These include manufacturing undetectable firearms or knowingly causing another person to engage in unlawful firearm production after January 1, 2026. Violations of the possession ban constitute a public offense punishable by jail time, fines up to $1,000, or both.