Regulations: ‘Other’ Category Assault Weapon Registration

Summary
Senate Bill (SB) 118 (2020) amended Penal Code section 30515 and created an “other” category of assault weapons, for firearms that are not classified as rifles, pistols, or shotguns.  Penal Code section 30605 generally prohibits the possession of assault weapons. 

SB 118 also added section 30900, subdivision (c), to the Penal Code, allowing registration of “other” category assault weapons by persons who, prior to September 1, 2020, lawfully possessed an “other” category assault weapon. These regulations explain the process for registering an “other” category assault weapon with the Department of Justice.

Sections Affected
California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Division 5, Chapter 39
Sections: 5485, 5486, 5487, 5488, 5489, 5490, 5491, 5492

Status of the Proposal
Penal Code section 30900, subdivision (c), mandates the Department of Justice to adopt regulations implementing the registration process for “other” category assault weapons.  These regulations are expressly exempted from the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act. 

On September 15, 2021, the Office of Administrative Law filed the Department of Justice’s regulations regarding Other Assault Weapon with the Secretary of State.  Pursuant to these regulations, the registration period for “other” category assault weapons begins on October 1, 2021, and ends at 11:59 pm on December 31, 2021.

Final Rulemaking Documents