AB 725: Firearms: reporting of lost and stolen firearms.

Existing law requires a person to report any lost or stolen firearm to a law enforcement agency, as specified. A violation of this provision is punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor. Existing law also requires the sheriff or chief of the law enforcement agency receiving such a report to enter a description of the lost or stolen firearm into the Department of Justice Automated Firearms System. Existing law defines a firearm for purposes of these provisions.

This bill would, commencing on July 1, 2026, amend how a firearm is defined for purposes of these provisions to include the frame or receiver of the weapon, including both a completed frame or receiver, or a firearm precursor part.

By expanding the definition of firearm, this bill would expand the applicability of a crime and impose a state-mandated local program. Also, by imposing new duties on local law enforcement, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 16520 of the Penal Code proposed by AB 733 to be operative only if this bill and AB 733 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.

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 with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.