California Background Check Delay Latest Front in Gun Laws War

California exceeded its legal authority when it opted to delay gun-buyer background checks past the 10-day statutory limit due to Covid-19, firearm enthusiasts assert in an appellate case that questions the state’s intentions to employ its interpretation in the future.

The state, which requires a background check on firearm purchases and transfers, abused a California Department of Justice interpretation of the allowed application turnaround time to delay more than 220,000 purchases, gun buyers told a California Court of Appeal.

“The parties hotly dispute the scope of DOJ’s authority to delay firearm transactions, which is unquestionably a matter of broad public ...