AB 1609 Summary

• Commencing January 1, 2015, prohibits California residents from importing, bringing, or transporting firearms purchased or obtained out-of-state unless first delivered to an in-state dealer following standard dealer requirements including background checks and waiting periods.

• Establishes exemptions for licensed dealers, wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, collectors, and personal firearm importers acting within their licensed scope, and for firearms acquired through bequest, intestate succession, or law enforcement channels.

• Creates reporting requirements to the Department of Justice for certain exempt importations, including information about the person taking possession, how title was obtained, and firearm descriptions, with a 30-day submission deadline.

• Establishes violation penalties: misdemeanor for non-handgun violations of the importation prohibition; misdemeanor or felony for handgun violations depending on circumstances such as prior convictions or prohibited person status.

• Authorizes the Department of Justice to charge fees up to $14 (adjustable for inflation) for processing reports related to firearm importation and other specified firearms transactions.