California has enacted the Thrive Act, a comprehensive package of gun violence prevention measures designed to curb the state's firearm death toll. The legislation, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 25, 2026, introduces mandatory 10-day waiting periods for all firearm purchases, expands the state's red flag laws to allow family members and coworkers to petition for gun removal, and bans the sale of semiautomatic rifles to individuals under 21.
Key Provisions of the Thrive Act
The Thrive Act, short for “Tackling Harmful Risks and Implementing Violence Elimination,” includes several components aimed at reducing gun violence. According to the governor's office, the law is projected to reduce firearm-related deaths by 30% over the next decade. Among its provisions, the act requires universal background checks for ammunition sales, mandates safe storage of firearms, and allocates $200 million for community-based violence intervention programs.
“This is a bold step toward ending the epidemic of gun violence in our state,” Newsom said during the signing ceremony. “California is proving that we can protect the Second Amendment while saving lives.”
Expanded Red Flag Laws
The expanded red flag law, or extreme risk protection order (ERPO), now permits employers, teachers, and mental health professionals to seek court orders temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. Previously, only law enforcement and immediate family members could file such petitions. The law also requires law enforcement to seek an ERPO when they encounter a person who has made credible threats of violence.
“We are closing loopholes that allowed dangerous individuals to slip through the cracks,” said state Senator Susan Rubio, a co-author of the bill. “This law ensures that more people can intervene before a tragedy occurs.”
Impact on Gun Sales and Ownership
The mandatory 10-day waiting period applies to all firearm purchases, including long guns, which were previously exempt in some cases. The ban on semiautomatic rifle sales to those under 21 has drawn criticism from gun rights advocates, who argue it infringes on the rights of young adults. However, supporters point to data showing that individuals under 21 are disproportionately involved in mass shootings, such as the 2024 Gilroy Garlic Festival attack.
California already has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, including a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The Thrive Act builds on these measures, aiming to further reduce the state's firearm mortality rate, which stands at 8.5 per 100,000 people—lower than the national average of 13.7 per 100,000, according to the CDC.
Funding for Violence Intervention
A significant portion of the Thrive Act focuses on prevention through community-based programs. The $200 million fund will support initiatives such as hospital-based violence intervention, street outreach, and job training for at-risk youth. These programs have been shown to reduce shootings by up to 60% in pilot studies, according to the California Department of Public Health.
“We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Investing in communities is the most effective way to break the cycle of violence.”
Legal Challenges Ahead
The Thrive Act is expected to face legal challenges from gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association, which has already vowed to sue. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen established a new standard for evaluating gun laws, requiring that they be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. California officials argue the Thrive Act fits within that tradition, citing historical laws that restricted gun ownership based on age and mental health.
“We are confident this law will withstand scrutiny,” Newsom said. “The safety of Californians is not negotiable.”
National Implications
California’s Thrive Act could serve as a model for other states seeking to reduce gun violence. Similar legislation is being considered in New York, Illinois, and Washington. The act’s emphasis on community intervention and expanded ERPOs reflects a growing trend among states to address gun violence as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal justice matter.
According to the Giffords Law Center, 21 states and the District of Columbia now have red flag laws, and 10 states require universal background checks for all gun sales. The Thrive Act’s provisions on waiting periods and age restrictions for semiautomatic rifles are less common, with only a handful of states imposing similar measures.
“California is leading the way,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “We hope other states will follow suit and pass life-saving legislation.”
