Gun Laws And 2a
Federal Judge Blocks California’s New Microstamping Law
Court Halts Enforcement of Controversial Handgun Regulation Pending Legal Review
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Sacramento, California
A federal judge in Sacramento issued a preliminary injunction Sunday temporarily blocking enforcement of Californias new microstamping requirement for all new handguns sold in the state. The law, which took effect July 1, mandates that all semiautomatic pistols sold by licensed dealers imprint unique identifying codes on fired cartridge cases, a technology not currently available in commercial firearms. The California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) and several gun manufacturers filed suit, arguing the law effectively bans the sale of new handguns and violates Second Amendment rights. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston agreed that plaintiffs had demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits, citing the lack of feasible microstamping technology and the laws practical effect of restricting access to commonly used firearms. The state argued the law was a necessary public safety measure to aid law enforcement investigations, but the court found the burden on lawful gun owners outweighed the purported benefits. The injunction will remain in place while the case proceeds. Legal experts say the ruling could have national implications, as other states consider similar measures.