Plain English Breakdown
The official summary states changes to Section 3273.50 are conditional on AB-1127 passing and being enacted after this bill.
Firearms: Ghost Guns
AB-1263 makes it illegal to help others make unlicensed firearms, expands rules for selling digital gun plans and parts, and bans firearm ownership for people convicted of specific new crimes.
What This Bill Does
- Makes it a misdemeanor crime to knowingly or willfully cause another person to illegally manufacture firearms, including assault weapons, .50 BMG rifles, or guns made with 3D printers or CNC milling machines.
- Expands the definition of digital gun plans to include computer-aided manufacturing files and instructions for making machineguns and large-capacity magazines.
- Allows people harmed in California by illegal distribution of digital gun plans to sue for money damages and court orders stopping the behavior.
- Creates a rule that website owners who sell or encourage the use of digital gun plans are presumed to have broken the law unless they prove otherwise, if their site encourages uploading or using these files.
- Requires sellers in California to give clear warning notices before selling unattached firearm barrels, accessories, or manufacturing machines about laws against making guns without a license.
- Bans people convicted of specific new crimes from owning, buying, or receiving any firearms for 10 years after their conviction.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who help others make illegal firearms using tools like 3D printers or CNC milling machines.
- Owners and managers of websites that sell or share digital files used to build guns, machineguns, or gun parts.
- Firearm industry members selling unattached barrels, accessories, or manufacturing equipment in California.
- Individuals convicted on or after January 1, 2026, for crimes involving undetectable firearms or helping others make illegal guns.
Terms To Know
- Digital firearm manufacturing code
- Computer files or instructions used to program machines like 3D printers or CNC milling machines to build a gun, its frame, receiver, parts, machineguns, or large-capacity magazines.
- CNC milling machine
- A computer-controlled tool that cuts metal and other materials to shape firearm parts.
- Rebuttable presumption
- A legal rule where a person is assumed guilty unless they provide evidence proving they are innocent.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not state the specific dollar amounts for fines or civil penalties.
- Changes related to Section 3273.50 of the Civil Code only happen if another bill (AB-1127) is also passed and this bill passes last.