Ninth Circuit strikes down California's ammunition background check law

Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom responded to a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that struck down California's ammunition background check law. This law was originally passed by voters in 2016.

"Strong gun laws save lives – and today’s decision is a slap in the face to the progress California has made in recent years to keep its communities safer from gun violence," stated Governor Newsom. "Californians voted to require background checks on ammunition and their voices should matter."

Polls indicate strong bipartisan support for universal background checks and other gun safety measures, with approval ratings typically between 85% and 90%. A Fox News poll conducted in 2023 revealed that 87% of American voters are in favor of criminal background checks for all gun buyers. In California, the measure for background checks on ammunition purchases was approved by voters with a margin of 63% to 36%.