California Suffers Legal Blow on Background Check Law

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The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled California’s background check requirement for ammunition purchases unconstitutional, affirming a district court’s permanent injunction. Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the ruling as a setback to progress in public safety. The court argued that the law infringed on Californians’ Second Amendment rights. Circuit Judge Sandra S. Ikuta wrote the majority opinion ruling the system restricts Californians’ Second Amendment rights.

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Plaintiff Kim Rhode stated, "The Ninth Circuit decision was a big win for gun owners in California."

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Judge Jay S. Bybee dissented, arguing the law poses a minimal barrier and similar regulations have been upheld elsewhere. Everytown Law's Janet Carter stated, "Background checks for ammunition sales are common sense."

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Ikuta wrote, "By subjecting Californians to background checks for all ammunition purchases, California’s ammunition background check regime infringes on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms."

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Newsom condemned the ruling, arguing it disregards voters’ support for background checks. Alan Gottlieb of the CCRKBA countered that constitutional rights should not depend on public voting.

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Rhode v. Bonta began in 2018 following Newsom’s 2016 ballot initiative to reduce gun violence. Gun rights and hunting groups have strongly opposed it, claiming it restricts law-abiding citizens’ access to ammunition.

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The Ninth Circuit’s decision follows a long legal battle shaped by the Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling, which mandates firearm laws reflect historical precedent. The California Rifle and Pistol Association praised the ruling as a victory for Second Amendment rights.

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California Rifle and Pistol Association President Chuck Michel said, "This case has been a long hard fight against overreaching government gun control, but a firearm cannot be effective without the ammunition to make it operable."

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.