Firearms: transfers.

Existing law prohibits the sale or transfer of a handgun, except as specifically exempted, to any person under 21 years of age. Existing law also prohibits the sale or transfer of a firearm, other than a handgun, except as specifically exempted, to any person under 18 years of age. A violation of this prohibition by the dealer is a crime. This bill would prohibit the sale or transfer of any firearm by a licensed dealer, except as specifically exempted, to any person under 21 years of age. Existing law requires a person who wishes to manufacture or assemble a firearm to first apply to the Department of Justice for a unique serial number or other identifying mark. Existing law requires an applicant to be at least 18 years of age for a firearm that is not a handgun, and at least 21 years of age for a firearm that is a handgun. A violation of the application requirement is a crime. This bill would instead require an applicant to be at least 21 years of age for any firearm, except that applications would be granted for an applicant who is at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age for a firearm that is not a handgun if the application is made before February 1, 2019. The bill would make additional technical, nonsubstantive changes. This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 29182 of the Penal Code proposed by SB 746 to be operative only if this bill and SB 746 are enacted and this bill is enacted last. By expanding the scope of existing crimes, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.