Assembly committee advances bill targeting handguns that can be converted to automatic fire

Assemblymember Alex Gabriel’s AB 11 27, introduced on the Assembly Public Safety Committee agenda, would prohibit the sale of certain semiautomatic handguns whose design elements enable rapid conversion into fully automatic weapons via inexpensive, third‑party "switch" devices. Supporters — including law enforcement advocates and gun‑violence prevention groups — told the committee the measure is focused, technically precise and aimed at reducing a documented rise in conversion devices seized by police. Opponents, including representatives of the National Rifle Association and industry groups, argued federal law already bars machine‑gun conversion devices and warned the measure could face constitutional challenges.

Assemblymember Gabriel told the committee AB 11 27 is a narrowly targeted bill that "will protect communities from mass shootings and gun violence by encouraging gun manufacturers to prevent the conversion of their firearms into dangerous automatic weapons." He accepted committee amendments that the author and his staff said clarify the bill focuses on a limited set of designs described in the text.

The author and his witnesses emphasized law‑enforcement seizure data and public‑safety concerns. Greg Lickenbrock, senior firearms analyst at Everytown for Gun Safety, described how a small, inexpensive third‑party device can be attached to a Glock‑style pistol and enable continued automatic fire: "Glock switches are tiny third party devices that cost as little as $25, are easily 3‑D printed and can be installed ... in seconds. Once in place ... it will continue firing." He showed photos and testified the conversion happens because of the pistol’s cruciform trigger‑bar shape that a switch can engage.

Deborah Grimes, a Sacramento survivor and volunteer with Moms Demand Action, described losing her son in an incident where the shooter allegedly used a conversion device. "Our son was shot and killed ... The availability of an accessory slapped onto a pistol solely to increase the rapid function of a trigger pull is atrocious," she said, urging committee members to support the bill.

Opposition testimony came from trade and gun‑rights advocates. Keeley Hopkins, state director for the National Rifle Association, said federal law already criminalizes machine‑gun conversion devices and that possession of a conversion part can itself be a machine‑gun offense: "Devices that are designed to convert semi‑automatic firearms to fire automatically ... are already prohibited under federal law." A witness from a firearms trade organization warned the bill could be challenged under constitutional precedent and said some manufacturers have already made design changes to reduce the vulnerability cited by supporters.

Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope, enforceability and likely legal challenges. Gabriel and his witnesses said the committee amendments narrow the text to address only pistols with trigger‑bar designs that are easily converted by the devices seized by law enforcement. The author said the bill includes an explicit exemption for law‑enforcement agencies. Several members expressed support for the public‑safety rationale and for the narrow approach taken in committee amendments.

Procedural status: the committee moved the bill "do pass as amended" to the next committee (the record shows the motion was offered by Winn and seconded by Sharp Collins). The roll call during the hearing showed multiple ayes; the committee also indicated the measure would remain on call for final confirmation in the hearing record.

What’s next: AB 11 27 advances in the Assembly’s committee process as amended; if it continues to move forward it will face further legal and policy scrutiny during subsequent committee hearings and possible floor debate. Supporters said the bill is aimed at getting manufacturers to change a small set of design elements; opponents warned litigation is likely if the measure becomes law.

Votes at a glance (as recorded in the hearing transcript) - Motion: "Do pass as amended to the Judiciary Committee." Mover: Winn; Second: Sharp Collins. Partial roll call recorded in the hearing transcript included multiple "ayes" and at least one committee member listed as not voting. The chair’s office noted the measure remained on call during the hearing and that the final outcome would be reported when the record was complete.

Sources: Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing transcript (April 21, 2025); testimony of Greg Lickenbrock (Everytown for Gun Safety), Deborah Grimes (Moms Demand Action), Keeley Hopkins (NRA) and others.