AB1078: CCW Licensing Changes

Current Status as of 9/23/25: Presented to Governor Newsom for signature. Governor has 12 days to sign or veto, otherwise it becomes law without a signature. It is expected to become law on January 1, 2026.

Assembly Bill 1078 has been making its way through the California legislature throughout the year in 2025. After several edits, the final bill is a mixed bag. It is expected to become law on January 1, 2026. It covers three main areas that we think are relevant:

1. Lays out a process for nonresident CCW licenses, consistent with recent court cases. In changes to Penal Code section 26150 and 26155, the bill provides that issuing agencies shall issue license to people who reside outside of California, and lays out how they can complete the training and other requirements from out of state. Also amends PC 26206 to clarify that the court hearing process applies to nonresident CCW license applications.

2. Legislates a very common reason for CCW application denials: failure to disclose information. It modifies Penal Code section 26195 to say that a CCW license shall not be issued if: "The applicant knowingly provides any inaccurate or incomplete information in connection with an application for a license or license renewal." The "knowingly" element will have to be litigated, but this reinforces the need to disclose everything thoroughly on the application. You don't want to have to litigate this in your case.

3. Modifies who is a disqualified person in Penal Code section 26202. As nonresident applications become more common, the edits provide that out-of-state equivalents to California crimes and restraining orders can make someone disqualified. Makes an important clarification that temporary restraining orders, issued without notice and an opportunity for a hearing, are not subject to the 5-year CCW license disqualification.

Fun fact: I went to law school with Marc Berman, the CA Assembly member who sponsored this bill. He won't even accept my friend request on Facebook now.