California’s Ammunition Background Check Law Revived for Now

A California voter initiative requiring background checks for ammunition purchases will remain in effect while the state appeals a ruling permanently enjoining the mandate, a divided panel of the Ninth Circuit ruled.

Judge Roger T. Benitez of the US District Court for the Southern District of California on Jan. 30 permanently enjoined Proposition 63’s mandate for ammunition purchasers to undergo and pay for a criminal history and mental health background check before buying bullets. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed notice of appeal and motion to stay the following day.

“Without a stay, the district court’s decision will allow the ...