Washington, D.C. – Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) have filed their opening brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, challenging California’s sweeping surveillance mandate on firearm dealers. This appeal is part of the ongoing case against Cal. Penal Code Section 26806, which forces all FFLs—including home-based dealers—to install 24/7 video and audio recording systems to surveil customers, and then retain that data for warrantless inspection by the state.
The law effectively turns lawful dealers into unpaid government agents, violating First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendment rights by chilling speech and association, imposing unlawful searches, and commandeering private property without compensation or cause.
GOA and GOF are joined in the appeal by Gun Owners of California (GOC) and multiple affected FFLs who object to California’s attempt to turn every gun store into a state surveillance hub.
GOA, GOF, and GOC remain committed to challenging radical laws like this one, and will continue fighting in the courts to ensure that the rights of gun owners and dealers are protected without compromise.
Sam Paredes, Executive Director of Gun Owners of California, issued the following statement on behalf of the Board of Directors for Gun Owners of America:
“California’s surveillance regime treats law-abiding citizens like criminals and weaponizes government power against the firearms community. We’re appealing this unconstitutional overreach because freedom doesn’t survive when people live under constant government surveillance.”
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, added:
“This law requires what is quite literally a 21st century Orwellian telescreen. California forces gun dealers to record private conversations, including within their own homes, and then hand them over to the government without a warrant. That’s not just invasive—it’s a direct attack on a number of constitutional rights. GOA and GOF are proud to lead this appeal and stand with every American who refuses to be tracked and silenced.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
