Last updated: August 25, 2025 – 9:00 AM ET
Latest Developments
- July 24, 2025: A Ninth Circuit panel (2–1) affirmed a permanent injunction that pauses California’s per-purchase ammunition background-check requirement and the licensed-vendor / face-to-face delivery provisions under Proposition 63.
- July 28, 2025: California DOJ advised that ammunition background-check requirements remain in effect until the Ninth Circuit issues its formal mandate.
- August 7, 2025: The State filed a petition for rehearing en banc, which pauses issuance of the mandate while the court considers the request.
- As of August 25, 2025 – 9:00 AM ET: No mandate has issued, and no DOJ bulletin has changed the status; background-check requirements remain in effect pending further court action.
- What we’re doing: We’re tracking the rehearing/en banc process and any DOJ guidance. If rehearing is denied, the mandate would typically issue soon after; a stay request or further appeal can be filed at any time before the mandate or during appeal.
TL;DR
A federal appeals court affirmed a permanent injunction blocking California’s ammunition background-check system. We’re closely monitoring and assessing any action from the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
What Changed?
From (2019–2025):
- California required a background check for every ammunition transaction under Proposition 63 and subsequent legislation.
- Ammo transfers had to move through state-defined processes (e.g., licensed ammo vendors/FFLs, CFARS database checks, etc.).
To (Current Status):
- A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld a permanent injunction against that background-check regime, pausing its enforcement.
- The California DOJ may respond with new guidance or seek further court action (emergency stay, rehearing, appeal).
What We’re Doing
- Actively Assessing DOJ Action: We’re reviewing any updates or bulletins from the California DOJ as they’re released.
- Monitoring the Courts: If a stay or new ruling lands, the legal landscape could change again without much notice.
- Updating This Page Promptly: You’ll see a new timestamp at the top whenever we revise the status summary.
What to Watch Next
- DOJ Guidance: Clarifications on how vendors should handle ammunition under the injunction.
- Emergency Stay / Rehearing: The Attorney General could seek to reinstate the background-check requirement quickly.
- New Legislation/Regulations: Lawmakers could attempt a different structure (e.g., permits or alternative checks).
Note: This information reflects a rapidly evolving situation. It is not legal advice—please consult an attorney for legal guidance.