The Overview

Planning to watch, compete in, or simply get around Los Angeles during the 2028 Games, you'll now find that California has temporarily loosened some of its everyday rules for the event. On September 20, 2026, the Governor approved AB 191, a bill that temporarily eases some state rules for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games activities. ​

California's Assembly Bill 191, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games bill, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 20, and took effect immediately. Los Angeles faces real logistical pressure: the region is known for severe traffic congestion, organizers have already shifted some events to Oklahoma City to avoid building temporary venues, and there is uncertainty about whether a planned Inglewood rail line will be ready in time.

What the Law Does

The law makes several temporary changes to California rules, all tied to the Games:

  • Combat sports: Boxing, wrestling and martial arts contests run by an Olympic or Paralympic authorized group no longer need the usual prior state athletic commission approval.
  • Temporary structures: Until Jan. 1, 2029, temporary structures at Games venues must meet the 2025 state building code and skip certain local changes to that code. The State Fire Marshal must set up a review team to check fire and panic safety requests from the organizing committee.
  • Minors and firearms: Minors competing in, or traveling to or from, Olympic, Paralympic or shooting events are exempt from the state's general ban on minors possessing firearms.
  • Ammunition sales: Accredited Olympic and Paralympic competitors don't have to follow the usual ammunition purchase checks or age rules when buying ammo for authorized competitions or training.
  • Paralympic pistols: Until Jan. 1, 2029, certain pistols used in Paralympic target shooting, approved by the organizing committee and the International Paralympic Committee, are not treated as state-banned assault weapons or unsafe handguns. The Department of Justice gets $100,000 to run this provision and must update its list of approved competition pistols by June 30, 2028.
  • Film tax credits: A movie that lost its soundstage because it was subleased to an LA 2028-affiliated group can still get California's studio construction film tax credit if it moves to an approved alternative soundstage.

Legislative Status

The Committee on Budget sponsored the bill. The Assembly passed it 53 to 17 on March 20, 2025. The Senate passed it 39 to 0 on Aug. 31, and the Assembly agreed to the Senate's changes 78 to 1 the same day. NBC Los Angeles reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of temporary statutory changes for the Games, while Wave Publications said the law is intended to support timely delivery of the 2028 Games.

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