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Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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AB-1589 • 2026

Firearms: silencers.

Firearms: silencers.

Crime Firearms
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Chen
Last action
2026-05-27
Official status
Ordered to inactive file at the request of Assembly Member Chen.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on how silencers will be used or stored by Level I Reserve Peace Officers, nor does it clarify if other peace officer types are affected beyond those already allowed under current law.

Firearms: Silencer Rules

AB-1589 changes California law to allow Level I Reserve Peace Officers to possess silencers when they are on duty and their agency authorizes it.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it legal for Level I Reserve Peace Officers to have silencers if they follow rules set by their agency while working.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Level I Reserve Peace Officers
  • Law enforcement agencies

Terms To Know

Silencer
A device that reduces the noise of a gun when it is fired.
Level I Reserve Peace Officer
A type of police officer who can be called to duty in emergencies and special situations.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how silencers will be used or stored by Level I Reserve Peace Officers.
  • It is unclear if this change affects other types of peace officers besides those already allowed under current law.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-27 California Legislative Information

    Ordered to inactive file at the request of Assembly Member Chen.

  2. 2026-05-20 California Legislative Information

    Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading.

  3. 2026-03-05 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

  4. 2026-03-04 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 3).

  5. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  6. 2026-01-16 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee February 15.

  7. 2026-01-15 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1589, as amended, Chen.
Firearms: silencers.
Existing law makes it a felony for any person, firm, or corporation to possess a silencer within this state. Existing law exempts specified actions from those provisions, including the possession of silencers by specified peace officers employed by specified law enforcement agencies or by military or naval forces, when on duty and when the use of silencers is authorized by the agency and is within the course and scope of their duties.
This bill would further exempt from the prohibition on possessing silencers specified level I reserve peace officers.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF