Court Overturns California Ammo Background Check Law

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that California's law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases is unconstitutional, upholding a lower court's permanent injunction. Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing for the majority, found the law inconsistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation under the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. The ruling emphasized that the background check regime meaningfully constrained the right to bear arms because ammunition is necessary to exercise that right. Dissenting Judge Jay Bybee argued the checks imposed minimal burdens. The case originated from a lawsuit brought by gun owners and rights groups, and California is expected to appeal. The decision is a significant setback for California’s gun control efforts and may affect similar laws in other states.