December 14, 2025 – California AB 1263, which goes into effect January 1, 2026, places certain restrictions on the sale and shipment of “firearm accessories” and barrels to consumers in California. AB 1263 significantly broadens the definition of unlawful firearm manufacturing; imposes new rules for barrels, “accessories,” and manufacturing machines, such as three-dimensional printers and CNC mills; increases liability for distributing digital firearm manufacturing code; and creates new ten-year prohibitions for the possession of firearms for certain misdemeanors, including manufacturing an undetectable firearm or knowingly or willfully causing another person to engage in the unlawful manufacture of firearms. AB 1263 imposes onerous requirements on members of the firearms industry selling barrels and certain other firearm parts to consumers in California.
AB 1263 contains a vague definition of “firearm accessories,” but the definition includes various parts that when installed on a semi-automatic firearm can result in it being classified as an “assault weapon” pursuant to California law, such as folding or telescoping stocks, pistol grips, and flash suppressors. Prior to selling parts classified as “firearm accessories” or barrels to California consumers, AB 1263 requires members of the firearms industry to provide them with a specific notice that manufacturing firearms without a license is illegal pursuant to California law, and to receive confirmation that the purchaser received and understands the notice. Members of the firearms industry are also required to obtain identification showing that the purchaser is at least eighteen years old, and ship the package with specified labels, as well as having delivery restricted to the purchaser, with the shipping company having to verify the customer’s identification document.
AB 1263 amended the statute requiring members of the firearms industry to adopt “reasonable controls” regarding the sale of their products, and allows lawsuits to be brought by the Attorney General or others for failure to comply with its requirements. If you have any questions regarding products that may be subject to AB 1263, or the drafting and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance, please contact Christopher Renzulli.