California to require background checks for ammo purchases

Starting Monday, California will require criminal background checks for every ammunition purchase.

Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the state’s latest attempt to deter gun violence at a news conference Tuesday, saying it will save lives.

Opponents are suing in hopes of eventually undoing a law they said places an unfair burden on millions of law-abiding gun owners.

Voters approved the checks in 2016 and set an effective date of July 1. Ammunition dealers are seeing a surge in sales as customers stock up before the requirement takes effect.

State officials expect 13.2 million checks for individual ammunition purchases each year.