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Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed  

July 21, 2025

The California Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 11-1 to advance Assembly Bill 1263, introduced by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), which would expand restrictions on "ghost guns" - untraceable firearms without serial numbers often made from kits or 3D-printed components. The bill has now moved to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations for consideration. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, nearly 71,000 alleged privately made ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement between 2016 and 2022.

Who is affected

  • Law enforcement agencies who need to trace firearms
  • Manufacturers and owners of privately made firearms without serial numbers
  • The Department of Justice
  • Gun owners and enthusiasts who build their own firearms
  • Victims of gun violence, particularly from untraceable weapons
  • Organizations representing gun owners, such as Gun Owners of America

What action is being taken

  • The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-1 to advance Assembly Bill 1263
  • The bill is moving to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
  • The legislation aims to expand restrictions on manufacturing and possessing "ghost guns"
  • Gun rights organizations are opposing the bill as unconstitutional

Why it matters

  • Ghost guns are untraceable without serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to track
  • According to ATF data, nearly 71,000 alleged privately made ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement between 2016-2022
  • The bill represents ongoing tension between public safety concerns and Second Amendment rights
  • Ghost guns are frequently involved in mass shootings according to Assemblymember Gipson
  • The legislation would impact the ability to privately manufacture firearms and share related digital files

What's next

  • The bill will be considered by the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
  • No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the appropriations committee consideration

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint