DOJ threatens lawsuit over California handgun sales ban set for July 1
What's next: California has until 5 p.m. Tuesday to enter talks or face a federal court challenge over AB 1127.
The Justice Department warned California it is prepared to sue over a state law taking effect July 1 that would block licensed dealers from selling many Glock-style pistols. In a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon argued Assembly Bill 1127 violates the Second Amendment by treating pistols as prohibited because they can be modified with illegal conversion devices. The law bars sales or transfers of what it calls “machinegun-convertible pistols,” while allowing current owners to keep them and exempting law enforcement and military sales. Dhillon said the department could delay filing if the state agrees to pre-suit negotiations.