California Heavy-Handed Gun Control Bill Advances After 5-1 Vote

California’s gun laws just took another controversial step forward. Senate Bill 704, introduced by Senator Arreguín, aims to make it a crime to buy or sell a firearm barrel without a background check, and it’s already passed its first major hurdle. On May 2, 2025, SB704 moved out of committee with a 5-1 vote, putting it on track for a full floor vote in the coming weeks. If it becomes law, Californians would need to go through a licensed dealer, submit personal information, and pass a background check just to buy a barrel.

What SB704 Actually Does

According to the official bill text, SB704 defines a firearm barrel as a tube “through which a projectile or shot charge is fired.” This includes barrels that aren’t fully assembled but could be converted into working parts. Starting July 1, 2026, all barrel transfers must be done in person through a licensed dealer, with a full background check and mandatory documentation of the buyer’s ID, address, birthdate, and more.

A Paper Trail for Gun Parts

The bill also orders dealers to electronically submit this information to the California Department of Justice (DOJ). That data would then be retained, though the bill doesn’t say for how long. While barrels aren’t serialized like full firearms, SB704 essentially creates a searchable trail tying individuals to the caliber, model, and use of their gun barrels, as explained in Section 33700 of the legislation.

Enforcement With Teeth

Violating this new rule wouldn’t be taken lightly. SB704 creates a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine. That means someone buying or selling a barrel online without going through a dealer could face serious legal trouble. Even if no actual firearm is transferred, the bill treats barrels with the same weight as finished weapons.

Copper Jacket TV Calls It “Radical”

In a detailed video breakdown, William from Copper Jacket TV criticized the bill as yet another example of California’s aggressive gun control culture. “It still makes you take a step back,” he said. “They want background checks just to get a barrel.” William pointed out that California already leads the country in the number of gun laws on the books, and this bill adds yet another layer of bureaucracy for law-abiding citizens.

A Database Without Serial Numbers?

One of William’s key concerns was the lack of serial numbers on barrels. Because barrels aren’t individually marked, the state can’t create a traditional registry. Still, he warned that the personal data collected and stored by the DOJ could be used to build an indirect database of gun owners and parts. “They would know what caliber you own, what length your barrel is,” he said. “They would have all of that stuff on what I assume will be some type of searchable database.”

Rushed Through Committee

William also highlighted the speed of the legislative process. The bill cleared its first committee vote 5-1, thanks to California’s Democratic supermajority. With only one Republican voice in opposition, William warned that SB704 will likely reach the Governor’s desk with little resistance. “It had no problem going through,” he said. “This is eventually going to make it to the floor for a vote.”

More Than Just a Barrel

What’s striking about SB704 is that it targets a component, not a complete firearm. As William explained, “Now you have to go through all of this just for a barrel.” In many states, buying a barrel is no more controversial than ordering a piece of pipe. But in California, that same item could soon be subject to government tracking, identification checks, and legal penalties.

Exemptions for Law Enforcement and Military

According to the bill text, the new restrictions wouldn’t apply to federal, state, or local law enforcement or the U.S. military. Also exempt are people buying a complete firearm, since they already undergo background checks. But that leaves out hobbyists, home builders, and competitive shooters – groups who frequently purchase replacement or upgraded barrels.

A Trend That Keeps Getting Worse

SB704 isn’t an isolated case. William noted that California has introduced several other bills this session, including one that limits buyers to three firearms per month, and another that could turn the state into a permit-to-purchase zone. In his words, “It’s absolutely possible that in the future, California could force you to register bags of nails or screws.” That comparison may sound dramatic, but it underscores how some residents view the ever-expanding regulatory reach.

This Isn’t About Crime

Let’s be honest – criminals don’t buy barrels at the gun shop. They’re not filling out forms or passing background checks. SB704, like many California laws, puts friction on legal behavior, not illegal activity. The average person swapping out a worn barrel for a competition rifle isn’t the problem. But under this law, they could be treated like a criminal. This isn’t about safety – it’s about control.

A Law Built for a Headline, Not the Streets

What’s frustrating is how disconnected SB704 is from actual law enforcement needs. Local police departments rely on the ATF and ballistic labs to solve crimes. But this bill doesn’t fund better tools for forensics – it just adds paperwork for people buying non-serialized tubes of metal. This feels more like a symbolic win for gun control advocates than a practical step toward reducing violence.

The Fight Is Far From Over

SB704 now heads to the full Senate floor, where California’s supermajority could push it through without much debate. If it passes there, it’ll likely clear the Assembly too. And Governor Newsom, who’s made gun control a centerpiece of his politics, will probably sign it. For Second Amendment supporters in California, this is another frustrating chapter. But as William reminded viewers, staying informed and involved is still the best way to push back.