Brady Applauds Gov. Newsom for Signing Slate of Bills to Prevent Gun Violence, Including Country's First Law Targeting 3D-printed Ghost Guns by Regulating Gun Barrels

SB 704 will help stop the proliferation of deadly, 3D-printed ghost guns by requiring background checks for firearm barrels. 

SACRAMENTO, CA, October 10, 2025 — Brady, the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention group, celebrates California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Brady-sponsored bill SB 704 into law, as well as two other life-saving gun violence prevention laws. 

SB 704, landmark legislation, will regulate and require background checks on the purchase of firearm barrels —  the only parts of a functional firearm that cannot effectively be produced using a 3D printer. Currently, these barrels are entirely unregulated and can be purchased online or in-store without a background check or any restrictions, contributing to their use in crime. This vital solution, which was championed by Sen. Jesse Arreguín and Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, will help prevent individuals from manufacturing  untraceable illegal ghost guns. 

The other two bills, AB 1127 and AB 1363, prevent the sale of firearms that accept certain conversion devices that turn semi-automatic weapons into automatic weapons and ensure that protective orders are properly transmitted and verifiable, respectively. 

Brady President Kris Brown said:

California continues to lead the nation in passing common-sense solutions to free America from gun violence. This new legislation will create meaningful barriers to people illegally manufacturing 3D-printed ghost guns, by requiring that gun barrels be sold only by licensed gun dealers and that those sales are subject to a background check. Brady is ready to partner with other state legislators and governors so this new law can be an inspiration for how to confront the emerging threat of illegal 3D-printed ghost guns plaguing communities. State legislatures across the country can pass this proactive measure to regulate gun barrels to stop the proliferation of 3D printed ghost guns and save American lives.