Ghost Gun and Ammo Credit: San Bernardino Police Department
September 29, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senator Melissa Hurtado’s (D-Bakersfield) SB 1220, the Peace Officer Protection Act, into law over the weekend, strengthening efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals convicted of ghost gun-related offenses.
Under SB 1220, individuals convicted on or after Jan. 1, 2027, of specified offenses involving firearms with identifying marks illegally altered or removed, will be prohibited from owning, purchasing, receiving or possessing a firearm for 10 years. The law brings those offenses under California’s existing 10-year firearm prohibition and closes an enforcement gap involving untraceable or illegally modified firearms.
“Every parent should be able to send their child to school, to a friend’s house, or out into their community without worrying about a ghost gun ending up in the wrong hands. We’ve seen the damage ghost guns can do,” Senator Hurtado said. “When someone who has already been convicted of a serious firearm offense can turn around and get access to another gun, that puts our children, our families, our law enforcement officers, and our entire community at risk. That’s why I authored SB 1220, the Peace Officer Protection Act.”
Ghost guns and firearms with removed or altered identifying marks can create challenges for law enforcement seeking to trace weapons recovered during criminal investigations. Senate Bill 1220, introduced by Senator Hurtado and sponsored by the California Police Chiefs Association, strengthens accountability when individuals are convicted of illegally possessing, buying, receiving or selling these firearms.
“This is about protecting families, supporting our peace officers, and respecting the rights of responsible gun owners while making it harder for illegal firearms to end up in the wrong hands,” Hurtado added. “I’m proud to have authored this measure. Our communities deserve to be safe.”
SB 1220 passed the Senate and Assembly before receiving the Governor’s signature on Sept. 26.
Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.
Source: Senator Melissa Hurtado
