California Democrats have successfully pushed through new rules aimed at restricting who can carry loaded weapons in public. This comes after a previous attempt to fortify the state’s concealed carry gun laws did not pass.
Senate Bill 2, introduced by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, seeks to revise the concealed carry licensing process by implementing new age restrictions, stricter storage requirements, and limitations on where permit holders can carry in public spaces. The state Senate passed the bill with a 28-8 vote on Tuesday, now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.
Portantino expressed his confidence in the potential impact of the legislation, stating to The Sacramento Bee, “Having a gun is a responsibility and what we’re doing is defining who should have that responsibility and who shouldn’t.”
Both Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta ardently back the bill. Newsom recently praised the legislature for its endorsement, highlighting California's efforts to reduce gun-related fatalities.
As per the provisions of SB 2, individuals wanting to carry firearms in public must be 21 or older and undergo a minimum of 16 hours of training. Furthermore, permit holders will be prohibited from bringing their guns into numerous venues such as schools, government buildings, airports, and bars.
Despite the bill's progression, opposition remains strong. Gun rights groups, represented by Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, are gearing up to challenge the bill legally once Newsom sanctions it. Paredes asserted, "Ultimately, this bill will never see the light of day as a statute in the state of California.”
The quest to bolster concealed carry regulations has been a priority for Sacramento Democrats, especially after a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision nullified essential provisions.
In the previous legislative session, Portantino's bill narrowly missed passing in the Assembly by a mere two votes. This year, Portantino introduced key modifications to the bill, crucially omitting a stipulation that would have reduced the vote threshold needed for the bill's passage.
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