Assembly committee hears bill to require background checks for firearm barrels amid ‘ghost gun’ concerns
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Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses debated SB 704, which would require in-person purchases of firearm barrels through licensed dealers with background checks; supporters said barrels are central to manufacturing untraceable 'ghost guns,' while opponents said the bill would burden lawful owners and not stop criminals.
The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard testimony on SB 704, a proposal to require that firearm barrels be sold in person through licensed dealers and subject to purchaser background checks. Supporters told the committee the measure would close a perceived loophole that allows parts essential to assembling untraceable firearms to be bought without oversight.
Sen. Aragheem, the bill's author, said the measure narrows criminal penalties following stakeholder input and exempts law enforcement, military personnel and federally licensed collectors. "SB 704 requires that the purchase of a firearm barrel follow a similar process as when someone purchases a firearm," Aragheem said, noting California data showing a sharp rise in ghost guns recovered from crimes.
Steven Lindley, a former chief in the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms testifying for the Brady Campaign, described technological shifts that have enabled privately manufactured firearms and said barrels are difficult to produce at home, making them a logical regulatory point. "The way to control that is through the barrels," Lindley said.
Opponents including representatives of Gun Owners of California, the California Rifle and Pistol Association and the NRA said the bill "targets the wrong people," would impose paperwork without tracking benefits and would burden lawful hobbyists who repair or upgrade firearms. They pointed to the state DOJ ghost gun report and argued many privately made firearms are built from complete kits that already include barrels.
Committee action: The author accepted committee amendments that reduced criminal penalties and narrowed exemptions; however, the committee did not take a final vote on SB 704 that day because a quorum was not present. The chair said the committee would notify the author when the motion vote was scheduled.
Ending: The hearing collected written and oral support from city and nonprofit advocates and opposition from firearm-advocacy groups. Committee members did not vote on the measure that day; the author and stakeholders indicated they plan further engagement before a final vote.
