9th Circuit Strikes Down California Ammunition Background Check Law

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled California's 2019 law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases unconstitutional, stating it violates the Second Amendment by infringing on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms. The 2-1 decision, authored by Judge Sandra Ikuta, emphasized that the law "meaningfully constrains" this right by mandating rechecks for each ammunition purchase. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, expressed disappointment and vowed to explore further legal options, highlighting the law's importance in preventing gun violence and keeping firearms out of prohibited hands. Gun rights advocates and plaintiffs, such as Olympic shooter Kim Rhode and the California Rifle & Pistol Association, hailed the ruling as a victory against governmental overreach. This decision represents a significant setback for California's comprehensive gun safety initiatives and raises critical questions about balancing gun rights and public safety amid recent judicial challenges. The state may seek review from a larger appeals panel or the Supreme Court to contest the ruling.