California lawmakers are considering significant changes to the state’s firearm purchasing process through Senate Bill 948 (SB 948). If enacted, the legislation would substantially expand the requirements for obtaining a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), replacing the current written-test-focused approach with mandatory classroom instruction and live-fire training.
Because SB 948 remains a proposed piece of legislation and has not yet become law (as of mid-June 2026, the bill is still advancing through the legislative process), firearm purchasers should understand both what the bill would do and what remains uncertain. This article examines the proposal, its potential impact on firearm buyers, and the questions that remain unanswered as the legislative process continues.
Executive Summary
What is SB 948? SB 948 is a California Senate bill that would modify the requirements for obtaining a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). Under current law, most firearm purchasers must pass a written examination covering firearm safety and legal responsibilities before purchasing a firearm.
If SB 948 becomes law, applicants seeking a Firearm Safety Certificate on or after July 1, 2028, would be required to complete a course of instruction lasting at least four hours. The course would include both classroom instruction and live-fire training conducted by a California Department of Justice (DOJ) certified firearms instructor.
Why Was the Bill Introduced? Supporters of the bill argue that safe firearm ownership requires more than passing a written examination. They contend that hands-on training provides firearm purchasers with practical experience in firearm handling, loading, unloading, and safe operation before they acquire a firearm.
Opponents argue that the additional training requirements would increase the cost and complexity of exercising a constitutional right, particularly for lower-income Californians and residents of rural areas where training opportunities may be limited.
Regardless of where one stands on the policy debate, SB 948 would represent one of the most significant changes to California’s Firearm Safety Certificate system in years.
Understanding the Proposed 4-Hour Training Requirement
Classroom Instruction Under the current version of the bill, applicants would be required to complete at least four hours of firearms safety training. The legislation contemplates instruction covering firearm safety principles, legal responsibilities associated with firearm ownership, and other topics determined by the California Department of Justice.
The specific curriculum standards would be developed and implemented through the DOJ’s regulatory process if the bill becomes law.
Live-Fire Training One of the most significant aspects of SB 948 is the requirement for live-fire training. The bill specifies that at least one hour of the required instruction must involve live shooting under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor.
This would represent a substantial departure from the current FSC process, which primarily relies on a written examination to demonstrate basic knowledge of firearm safety.
What Remains Unknown? Although the bill establishes the broad framework for the training requirement, many implementation details have not yet been finalized. Questions that would likely be addressed through future regulations include:
- Specific curriculum requirements.
- Minimum live-fire proficiency standards.
- Course documentation procedures.
- Instructor certification requirements.
- Recordkeeping systems.
- Course costs and administrative fees.
Until regulations are developed, any discussion of these details remains speculative.
How SB 948 Would Differ from the Current FSC Process
Current Requirements Under current California law, most firearm purchasers must:
- Pass the Firearm Safety Certificate written examination.
- Obtain a passing score.
- Present a valid FSC when purchasing a firearm.
- Complete any required safe handling demonstration associated with the firearm purchase.
Proposed Changes If enacted, SB 948 would add mandatory training as a prerequisite for obtaining an FSC. Rather than relying primarily on a written examination, applicants would need to complete a certified training course that includes both classroom instruction and live-fire exercises.
The proposal reflects a shift toward a training-based model rather than a knowledge-test-only model.
Who Would Be Affected?
New Firearm Purchasers Most individuals seeking to obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate after the bill’s effective date would likely be required to complete the training course before receiving an FSC.
Handguns and Long Guns The FSC requirement generally applies to both handgun and long-gun purchases, and SB 948 would continue to operate within that framework.
Current Firearm Owners Simply owning firearms would not trigger a requirement to complete the proposed training. However, individuals seeking to obtain a new Firearm Safety Certificate after the law’s implementation date could be subject to the new requirements, depending on the final language enacted by the Legislature and subsequent DOJ regulations.
Potential Exemptions As currently written, SB 948 contains exemptions for certain individuals, including holders of valid California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permits. Other exemptions may apply under existing FSC statutes or may be modified as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Individuals should review the final enacted language, if any, before relying on an exemption.
Costs and Practical Considerations One of the most common questions surrounding SB 948 involves cost. Because the bill requires instructor-led training and live-fire exercises, firearm purchasers should expect additional expenses if the proposal becomes law.
However, no statewide pricing structure currently exists. Actual costs would likely vary based on instructor fees, range fees, ammunition costs, and regional market conditions.
Any estimates offered before implementation should be viewed as educated speculation rather than established fact.
Conclusion SB 948 proposes a major change to California’s firearm purchasing process by requiring classroom instruction and live-fire training as part of obtaining a Firearm Safety Certificate. If enacted, the bill would move California away from a system focused primarily on written testing and toward one emphasizing hands-on training and demonstrated firearm familiarity.
However, it is important to remember that SB 948 remains a legislative proposal rather than an enacted law. The bill may be amended, delayed, or rejected during the legislative process. Firearm owners and prospective purchasers should monitor the bill’s progress and review any final enacted language before making decisions based on the proposal.
At Practical Defense Systems, we specialize in practical, real-world firearms and self-defense training that goes well beyond minimum requirements. Whether preparing for a CCW, enhancing safe handling skills, or meeting professional standards, our DOJ-certified instructors and hands-on courses can help you build confidence and competence. Staying informed is key—and quality training ensures you’re prepared.
As with any pending legislation, staying informed is the best way to prepare for potential changes in California firearm law.
Editor’s Note: SB 948 is currently proposed legislation and has not become law. This article discusses the bill as introduced and amended during the legislative process (latest amendment May 2026). Future amendments may change some of the details discussed. For official updates, check the California Legislature website. Contact PDS for training options that align with evolving requirements.
