Firearms: firearm barrels.

Senator Arreguín's firearm barrel legislation establishes new requirements for the sale and transfer of firearm barrels in California, mandating that these transactions occur through licensed firearms dealers beginning January 1, 2027. The bill defines firearm barrels as tubes through which projectiles are fired, including both completed barrels and those that can be readily assembled or converted for use.

Under the new provisions, licensed firearms dealers must conduct background checks on purchasers, maintain detailed transaction records, and submit this information electronically to the Department of Justice. Purchasers must be at least 18 years old and eligible to possess firearms under state and federal law. The bill exempts certain entities from these requirements, including law enforcement agencies, federal firearms licensees, military organizations, and transactions involving barrels already attached to firearms.

The legislation establishes a graduated penalty structure for violations. First-time offenses constitute misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, while subsequent violations may be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies, carrying potential state prison terms of two to four years or county jail terms up to one year, along with fines up to $2,000. The Department of Justice receives authority to implement regulations and oversee the background check system, with transaction records to be deleted upon completion of the verification process.