California · Penal Code

PEN §626.95: (a) Any person who is in violation of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), or subdivision (b), of Section 417, or Section 25400 or 25850, upon the grounds of or within a playground, or a public or privat

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A person who violates firearm possession laws in playgrounds or youth centers when minors are present faces imprisonment of one to three years in state prison or up to one year in county jail.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Any person who is in violation of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), or subdivision (b), of Section 417, or Section 25400 or 25850, upon the grounds of or within a playground, or a public or private youth center during hours in which the facility is open for business, classes, or school-related programs, or at any time when minors are using the facility, knowing that he or she is on or within those grounds, shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for one, two, or three years, or in a county jail not exceeding one year. (b) State and local authorities are encouraged to cause signs to be posted around playgrounds and youth centers giving warning of prohibition of the possession of firearms upon the grounds of or within playgrounds or youth centers. (c) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) “Playground” means any park or recreational area specifically designed to be used by children that has play equipment installed, including public grounds designed for athletic activities such as baseball, football, soccer, or basketball, or any similar facility located on public or private school grounds, or on city or county parks. (2) “Youth center” means any public or private facility that is used to host recreational or social activities for minors while minors are present. (d) It is the Legislature’s intent that only an actual conviction of a felony of one of the offenses specified in this section would subject the person to firearms disabilities under the federal Gun Control Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-618; 18 U.S.C. Sec. 921 et seq.).

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.