The Latest on California Gun Laws and Criminal Charges in 2025

One of the most important new gun laws in California in 2025 is due to Proposition 36. Enacted on December 18, 2024, Proposition 36 was known as the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.” It specifically targets drug and theft crimes, leading to harsher sentences. Additionally, the act adds fentanyl to the list of drugs that lead to stiffer sentences if you also have a firearm in your possession.

Thanks to the impact of fentanyl, one of the major new gun laws in California in 2025 involves fentanyl and having a firearm. Previously, fentanyl was treated like a less serious drug than heroin, PCP, and methamphetamine if the user possessed a firearm. Under Proposition 36, this loophole has been ended.

Through Prop 36, fentanyl is added to the list of drugs that lead to increased penalties if you are found to also be in possession of a firearm. Additionally, there are extra penalties for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl or selling to someone who ends up dying.

Besides Proposition 36, there are a few other major firearm laws going into effect in California in 2025.

AB 1483 gets rid of the private party transaction exemption for buying multiple firearms in a 30-day period. However, there is an exemption if the seller is transferring the firearms because a loved one dies. Additionally, there is another exception if the individual has been required by a court order or state law to get rid of their firearms.

Under AB 574, any register or record of sale must include a specific acknowledgement. Basically, the purchaser must confirm that they have been in possession of every firearm they currently have or own during the preceding 30 days. This new record of sale requirement went into effect on March 1, 2025.

Although AB 725 doesn’t go into effect until July 1, 2026, it’s a good idea to get ready now. Under this new gun law, the definition of a firearm will now include the weapon’s receiver, frame, and any firearm precursor parts. Because of this, you are legally required to report having any of these parts or pieces lost or stolen to law enforcement. Then, law enforcement will enter the description of the lost parts into the agency’s Automated Firearms System.

While some of the changes in AB 1587 went into effect in July 2024, there are new provisions that just started on May 1, 2025. Now, the Attorney General is allowed to enforce the provisions of AB 1587 by bringing civil action against gun merchants. In some cases, merchants who violate AB 1587 must pay a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation. Fortunately, AB 1587 applies primarily to how payment processing codes are set up for firearms purchases, so it is unlikely you’ll run afoul of this gun law update.

SB 241 goes into effect on July 1, 2026. Under the new update, licensed firearms dealers and their workers must complete a course training each year that deals with Penal Code 26920.

Whether you’re navigating a drug charge or a first-time gun charge in California, you may be wondering what it means to your future gun ownership. If you have been convicted of a penalty, California Penal Code 29800 generally forbids any type of gun ownership for the rest of your life.

However, there are a few exceptions. If you get your felony reduced to a misdemeanor, you may be able to own a gun again. Similarly, you can apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and then use that certificate to petition the governor to have your gun rights restored.

If you want to learn about new gun laws in California in 2025, we can help. For more information about gun laws and your criminal defense case, give us a call today.